Neem Extract Research Articles

Variations in the biochemical characteristics of Lavandula sublepidota Rech.f. in response to the foliar enrichment of green-synthesized copper nano complexes from extract of neem and jujube

Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient in plant physiology and biochemistry. This article synthesized copper nano complexes (Cu–NCs) based on aqueous extracts of jujube and neem leaves. The effects of foliar application of Cu-jujube and Cu-neem Cu–NCs at concentrations of 0, 10, 25, and 50 mg L−1 on the bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, and essential oil of the Iranian native medicinal herb Lavandula sublepidota Rech. f. was investigated. The highest levels of flavonoids and polyphenols were observed in the plants treated with Cu–NCs at 25 mg L−1. However, no superiority was observed between the two types of Cu–NCs. Furthermore, 25 mg L−1 nCu-Z and nCu-N foliar application boosted essential oil yield (48 and 52%, respectively) over control. This suggests an ideal threshold beyond which toxicity was found. Similarly, the amount of commercially significant secondary metabolites increased at 25 mg L−1 CuNCs compared to 10 and 50 mg L−1 concentrations. The maximum antioxidant activity was found in extracts of lavender that had been treated with 25 mg L−1 CuNCs. When CuNCs were applied exogenously, the extracts' antibacterial activity (MIC μg mL−1) was substantially increased against the three pathogen strains. The results suggest that CuNCs demonstrate notably greater effectiveness, particularly at an ideal concentration of 25 mg L−1, in enhancing the production of essential oil and bioactive compounds in Lavandula sublepidota Rech. f. Therefore, these findings indicate the importance of the biosynthesis of NCs using plants and measuring the phytochemical changes of lavender plants.

Effect of traditional medicinal plants on the pathogenic potential of the versatile pathogen Staphylococcus aureus

This study explores the effects of Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Papaya (Carica papaya) leaf extracts on the pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus. Through in vitro assays, we investigated the impact of these medicinal plant extracts on bacterial metabolic activity and pathogenic factors. Results indicate that the growth of Staphylococcus aureus was differentially decreased by the plant extracts, with Neem demonstrating a greater reduction compared to Papaya. Moreover, both Neem and Papaya extracts, either alone or in combination, significantly inhibited bacterial biofilm formation, with reductions of 39%, 48%, and 7%, respectively. Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts exhibited inhibitory effects on bacterial growth, with ethanolic extract showing stronger potency. However, the extracts did not influence the bacteria's haemolytic characteristics. Overall, these findings suggest that traditional medicinal plant extracts possess potential in mitigating S. aureus pathogenicity, however, further mechanistic investigations are warranted to elucidate underlying mechanisms. Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 12(1 & 2): 73-86, 2023 (June & December)

Biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles via neem extract and their anticancer and antibacterial activities.

In the present study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized using neem leaf aqueous extracts and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Then compare its efficacy as anticancer and antibacterial agents with chemically synthesized ZnO-NPs and the neem leaf extract used for the green synthesis of ZnO-NPs. The TEM, UV-vis, and particle size confirmed that the developed ZnO-NPs are nanoscale. The chemically and greenly synthesized ZnO-NPs showed their optical absorbance at 328 nm and 380 nm, respectively, and were observed as spherical particles with a size of about 85 nm and 62.5 nm, respectively. HPLC and GC-MS were utilized to identify the bioactive components in the neem leaf aqueous extract employed for the eco-friendly production of ZnO-NPs. The HPLC analysis revealed that the aqueous extract of neem leaf contains 19 phenolic component fractions. The GC-MS analysis revealed the existence of 21 bioactive compounds. The antiproliferative effect of green ZnO-NPs was observed at different concentrations (31.25 µg/mL-1000 µg/mL) on Hct 116 and A 549 cancer cells, with an IC50 value of 111 µg/mL for A 549 and 118 µg/mL for Hct 116. On the other hand, the antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was estimated. The antibacterial result showed that the MIC of green synthesized ZnO-NPs against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were 5, and 1 µg/mL. Hence, they could be utilized as effective antibacterial and antiproliferative agents.

Sustainable Technique for Neem (Azadirachta Indica) Seed Oil Extraction: Optimization and Characterization

N-hexane is a solvent that is frequently used in oil extraction processes. But there is enough data to demonstrate this solvent's harmful nature. In this study, the Soxhlet process was utilized to extract neem seed oil from neem seeds using a greener petroleum ether. We looked into how the temperature (25–125 °C) and time variation (30–50 min) affected the extraction process. When the temperature is held constant, it indicates a high yield (57.08%) at 150 minutes and a maximum yield (52%) at 125°C when the duration is held constant. An examination of the saturated and unsaturated fatty acids' makeup was done using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. The result of the GC-MS method showed a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (58.82%), which are important because they may provide health benefits when included in a balanced diet. Alkaloids, coumarins, terpenoids, saponins, steroids, flavonoids, and triterpenoids are all present, with the exception of tannins, according to the phytochemical analysis. This implies that the oil may have therapeutic value. The extracted oil exhibits the following characteristics: 3.53% moisture content, 1.70 mg KOH/g acid value, 0.81 density (g/cm3), 31.60 viscosity (mm2/s), 268 mg KOH/g saponification value, 3.71% ash content, and 119.8 mg I2/100g iodine value. These figures illustrate the oil's potential for use in a variety of multi-industrial applications; they are compliant with ASTM standards.

Preparation and evaluation of herbal shampoo

Aim and Objective: The aim of this presents formulation and evaluation herbal shampoo and to assess its physiochemical function that emphasis on safety, efficacy, eliminating harmful ingredient, and substitute with safe natural ingredients. Material and Methods: The formulation of shampoo using the extracts of Hibiscus, Ritha, Alovera, methi, amla, flax seeds, curry leaves and neem leaves different proportions. Evaluation of organoleptic, physicochemical, and performance tests in terms of wetting time test, pH, solid contents, surface tension, dirt dispersion, foam Stability, cleaning action and Viscosity was performed. Results: The created cleanser was clear and good appealing. It demonstrated good foam stability, detergency, good cleansing, small bubble size, low surface strain, and execution of good conditioning. Conclusion: The physicochemical evaluation of the formulated shampoo showed ideal results. However, to improve its quality, product performance, and safety, further development was required.

Potential of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Extract in Managing Fall Armyworm on Maize

This research assessed the effect of neem leaf extract on the larval population of the fall armyworm and the level of damage, growth, and yield of maize. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments (Control, 50 g per L, 100 g per L and 200 g per L of neem leaf extract) applied within the two seasons of 2022A and 2022B. The findings showed that a higher concentration (200 g per L) of neem leaf extract-treated maize plants registered the least leaf damage (0.15), severity (0.15), and larvae population (0.1). This effect was most attained during the 1st season of maize production and at the earliest vegetative weeks of maize growth (3 WAP to 5 WAP, i.e., weeks after planting). The higher neem leaf extract concentration of 200 g per L produced the most significant (p < 0.001) effect on maize growth traits. A higher plant height (162.51 cm), longer leaf length (112.5 cm), wider leaf width (11.7 cm), and broader stem girth (11.91 cm) were attained under 200 g per L of neem leaf extract treated plots during the 1st season of maize production and 11 WAP. The findings of this showed that a relatively high concentration of neem leaf extract produced a higher cob weight (200 g per L = 180.1 g) followed by 100 g per L (174.1 g), 50 g per L (140.9 g) and control (139 g). The weight was optimised during the 1st season of maize production (163.8 g). The grain yield was higher under 200 g per L (153.7 g) of neem extract. The above findings demonstrated that a high concentration of neem leaf extract reduced fall armyworm infestation and increased maize plant growth and yield. Farmers should, therefore, be encouraged to apply 200 g per L of neem leaf extract in the management of fall armyworms and improve plant growth and yield because it contains antifeedant and insecticidal properties against the fall armyworm.

Antimicrobial efficiency against fish pathogens on the green synthesized silver nanoparticles

Fish-borne pathogens such as A. hydrophila and F. aquidurense are the most resistant strains in pisciculture farming. Removing the aforementioned pathogens without antibiotics presents a formidable challenge. To overcome this problem, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are synthesized using silver nitrate, water medium, and as an AzadirachtaIndica leaf extract via the green synthesis route. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern results authenticate the synthesized material is the face-centered cubic structure of silver. The optical absorption edge of the synthesized product was found at the wavelength of 440 nm from the UV–visible spectra, which is confirmed to relate to the Surface Plasmon Resonance peaks of silver particles. In addition, the optical band gap value of the synthesized Ag sample is measured to be 2.81 eV from the obtained optical absorption spectra. EDX spectrum of the synthesized product also supports confirming the silver particle formation. The FT-IR spectra of the neem extract and silver nanoparticles showed their characteristic functional groups, respectively. The presence of bands between 1000 cm−1 to 500 cm−1 indicates to the formation of silver particles. Spherical particles appeared in the synthesized Ag using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The particle size of Ag NPs was measured as 40 nm and 62 ± 10 nm by TEM and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The zeta potential was also measured as −12 mV showing the synthesized sample's stable nature. Using the DPPH assay, synthesized AgNPs were taken along with the various concentrations of ascorbic acid (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 μg/mL) to examine the free radical scavenging activity (RSA). RSA value is higher (84 ± 2 %) for synthesized AgNPs at higher concentration (100 μg/mL) than 21 ± 2 % at low concentration (100 μg/mL). The antimicrobial efficacy of the AgNPs against A. hydrophila and F. aquidurense was performed through the agar diffusion method and its results showed the inhibitory zones of the F.aquidurense and A. hydrophila were measured as 25 ± 3 mm, and 28 ± 4 mm respectively. The synthesized Ag particles showed excellent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties confirmed by antimicrobial and DPPH experiments. It implies that the green synthesized silver nanoparticles could be a good alternative for antibiotics in aquaculture farms. The exposure of low concentrations of silver nanoparticles to zebrafish and brine shrimp does not affect the viability and morphology. The exposure of silver nanoparticles in the fisheries in optimized concentration and time could control the fish-borne pathogens without antibiotics.

Effects of Neem, Moringa, and Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Coating on Postharvest Shelf Life and Quality Retention of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

This study aimed to investigate the effects of synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), Azadirachta indica (neem), and Moringa oleifera (moringa) leaf extracts on the shelf life and quality retention of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruits during storage. Thirty-five (35) red, matured tomato fruits were collected, rinsed and grouped for each treatment with AgNPs, neem and moringa coating: Control (n=5), moringa aqueous leaf extract (MALE) (n=5), neem aqueous leaf extract (NALE) (n=5), 1:9 and 6:4 moringa aqueous leaf extract synthesized silver nanoparticles (MALE-AgNPs) (n=5), 1:9 and 6:4 neem aqueous leaf extract synthesized silver nanoparticles (NALE-AgNPs) (n=5), respectively. The firmness, shelf life, and postharvest decay percentage of the tomato fruits were determined. Additionally, fungi associated with the postharvest deterioration of the fruits were isolated and identified using standard procedures. From the results of this study, tomato fruits coated with either neem or moringa crude extract showed the longest shelf life, as compared to the coating with AgNPs. Additionally, two fungi, namely Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus, were isolated from the decayed tomato fruits. In conclusion, the neem and moringa leaf extracts are effective in the extension of the shelf life and retention of the quality of tomato fruits.

Antimicrobial Assessment of Hand Sanitizers Formulated from Neem Leaf Extract (Azadirachta indica) and Coconut Shell Liquid Smoke

Abstract The widespread use of alcohol/ethanol-based hand sanitizers has raised concerns due to the concurrent issues of skin irritation, allergies, childhood poisoning risks, and the potential for bacterial resistance to antibiotics, which may disrupt the human digestive system. This study explores the potential of Neem leaves (Azadirachta indica) and liquid smoke as natural alternatives to alcohol-based antiseptics. The objective is to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of hand sanitizers containing Neem leaf extract and coconut shell liquid smoke against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. Hand sanitizers were prepared by mixing 4g of Neem leaf extract with varying quantities of coconut shell liquid smoke (labeled as A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5, corresponding to 0g, 1g, 3g, 5g, and 7g, respectively). distilled water was then added until the total volume reached 100 ml. The solution was then stabilized with 0.5g of Carboxyl Methyl Cellulose (CMC) and 10g of glycerin. Results indicate that formulations A1, A2, A3, and A5 exhibit moderate inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli, with inhibition zone diameters of 6.02 mm, 8.17 mm, 9.67 mm, and 9.11 mm, respectively. Notably, formulation A4 displays strong inhibitory activity (11.15 mm). For Salmonella typhimurium, formulations A4 and A5 demonstrate very strong antimicrobial properties with inhibition zones measuring 11.68 mm and 12.59 mm, respectively. These findings suggest that hand sanitizers comprising Neem leaf extract and liquid smoke possess the potential as environmentally friendly, natural antiseptics.

Analysis of the insecticidal effect of botanical extracts on mealybugs (Phenacoccus solenopsis)

The Cotton mealybug, also known as Phenacoccus solenopsis, poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, particularly in cotton cultivation, where infestations cause substantial yield losses. This study examined the effectiveness of botanical extracts from neem (Azadirachta indica), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), black pepper (Piper nigrum), and bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) in controlling P. solenopsis. Neem extract showed the highest mortality effect at 86.6% followed by clove (68.3%) and black pepper (58.3%). Bay leaf extract had the lowest mortality effect at 36.6%. These findings highlight the potential of neem, clove, and black pepper extracts as effective options for managing P. solenopsis infestations in agriculture.

Analysis of biological organic extract of plants in suppressing aphid (Myzus persicae) infestations

Myzus persicae commonly known as the peach-potato aphid, poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, particularly in potato cultivation, where infestations lead to substantial yield losses and quality degradation. In this study, we investigated the potential of botanical extracts from neem (Azadirachta indica), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), black pepper (Piper nigrum), and bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) in controlling Myzus persicae infestations. Experimental trials were conducted to assess the mortality effects of these botanical extracts on Myzus persicae populations. Results revealed that neem extract exhibited the highest mortality effect, with an impressive 97.7% mortality rate. Clove and black pepper extracts followed closely, demonstrating mortality rates of 92.2% and 77.7%, respectively. In contrast, bay leaf extract exhibited the least mortality effect, with only 48.8% mortality observed.

Natural Enemies of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda Smith) and comparing Neem aqueous extracts with its larvae, Gurage zone, central Ethiopia

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda Smith) is an invasive and polyphagous insect pest. It poses a significant threat to maize crops, uncontrolled infestation can result 100 % loss. However, natural enemies play a vital role in regulating the population of this pest. Additionally, botanical sources extracts have the potential to be effective insecticides. The objectives of the study were to investigate the natural enemies of S. frugiperda in the Gurage zone and to compare efficacy of Neem seed and leaf aqueous extracts with S. frugiperda larvae, central Ethiopia. S. frugiperda larvae and egg masses, cocoons and larvae cadavers collected from infested maze farms. From each round collection 25 healthy and inactive larvae were sampled to rear until emerging adults. Observed predator species recorded. Neem seed and leaf aqueous extracts was tested against S. frugiperda in laboratory condition. The study found a diverse range of natural enemies associated with S. frugiperda, including parasitoids, predators, and entomopathogenic fungi. Three species of parasitoids (Exorista xanthaspis, Tachina spp., and Charops annulipes) were documented in Ethiopia for the first time. Predatory insects belonging to four distinct orders: Hemiptera, Dermaptera, Coleoptera, and Mantodea also identified. In particular, various Hemipterans were observed in the maize farms infested with S. frugiperda. In terms of Neem seed and leaf aqueous extracts, they demonstrated similar mortality rates for S. frugiperda larvae after 72 h, although differences were observed at 24 and 48 h. For effective management of S. frugiperda, more research is needed to fully exploit the potential of natural enemies and botanical source insecticides.

Synergistic antimicrobial action of chitosan-neem extracts nanoformulation as a promising strategy for overcoming multi-drug resistant bacteria

The objective of the present study was to analyze and identify the phytochemical components found in neem leaf extracts using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) methods. The extract samples were acquired using ethyl acetate (EA) and petroleum ether (PE) solvents. Moreover, the extracts were assessed for their antibacterial and antioxidant features. In addition, chitosan nanoparticles (Cs NPs) containing neem extracts were synthesized and evaluated for their potential antibacterial properties, explicitly targeting multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. The neem extracts were analyzed using GC–MS, which identified components such as hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, alkaloids, and glycosides. Results revealed that the PE extract showed significant antibacterial activity against a range of bacteria. In addition, the PE extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity, exceeding both the EA extract and vitamin C. In addition, both extracts exhibited notable antibiofilm activity, significantly inhibiting the production of biofilm. The Cs NPs, loaded with neem extracts, exhibited significant antibacterial action against multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms. The Cs NPs/EA materials had the greatest zone of inhibition values of 24 ± 2.95 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Similarly, the Cs NPs/PE materials exhibited a zone of inhibition measurement of 22 ± 3.14 mm against P. aeruginosa. This work highlights the various biochemical components of neem extracts, their strong abilities to combat bacteria and oxidative stress, and the possibility of Cs NPs containing neem extracts as effective treatments for antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.

Development of Banana Fabric Fruit Cover Finished with Neem Leaf Extraction

Fruit covers, also known as fruit protection covers or fruit netting, are used in agro tech to provide a physical barrier around fruits. They are typically made of lightweight, breathable material that allows sunlight, air, and water to reach the fruit while keeping pests, birds, and other animals away. Fruit covers act as a shield against extreme weather conditions, such as hail, strong winds, or excessive rainfall, which can cause physical damage to the fruit. Fruit cover protects from damages caused by nature to the fruits. Banana fabric is used for fruit cover. It is breathable and biodegradable. Banana fiber has its own physical and chemical characteristics and many other properties that make it a fine quality fiber. Appearance of banana fiber is similar to that of bamboo fiber and ramie fiber, but its fineness and spinnability is better than the two. The chemical composition of banana fiber is cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin .It is highly strong fiber .It has smaller elongation. It has somewhat shiny appearance depending upon the extraction & spinning process. Selected the neem leaf to prevent the fruits from insects. The herb was collected and washed thoroughly to get rid of insects if any were present in it. The leaves are plucked and taken for the next process. Double boiling method is used to extract neem leaf. In a double boiler, water is placed in a pot that sits on the burner. On top of the pot, a glass or metal bowl holds the ingredients you're cooking. The steam from the simmering water warms the contents of the bowl gently with indirect heat. Fruit cover has 70% breathability. It is done to confirm that the fruit cover is suitable for the fruit to grow. Tearable testing is 25% towards wet tearing an 20% towards dry tearing. Keywords: Fruit cover, Extraction of neem leaf, Banana fabric, breathability, shield against extreme weather, Myrobalan

Evaluation of the shelf life of guava (psidium guajava) stored in a modified scoria evaporative cooler with organic treatments

Guava (Psidium guajava) is a tropical fruit that is highly nutritious but highly perishable. The high perishability rate of the fruit is a clear indication that this fruit requires good post-harvest handling and preservation techniques to prolonging its shelf life. Evaporative cooling technology has been widely adopted for proper storage of perishable products, especially fruits and vegetables. This research was conducted with an objective of evaluating the shelf life of guavas stored in a scoria evaporative cooler in combination with neem extract treatment and beeswax treatment. A portion of the guavas was treated and stored in both ambient and evaporative cooler conditions while the other portion was untreated and stored in both ambient and evaporative cooler conditions. The changes in quality of the guavas over time were evaluated based on the physical, chemical and organoleptic properties of the fruit. The microclimate of the evaporative cooler i.e the temperature and relative humidity, were recorded using a data logger. The shelf life of neem extract treated guavas stored in the evaporative cooler increased by an average of 2 days compared with ambient conditions. For the beeswax treated guava the shelf-life increase by an average of six days compared to the ambient. For untreated guavas the increase in shelf life was 6 days relative to the ambient. The beeswax coated gauvas stored in the evaporative cooler retained the recommended firmness for 5 days more than the ambient. These results show that evaporative cooling combined with beeswax treatment have enormous potential to prolong the shelf-life of guavas significantly. Thus scoria evaporative cooler could be a game changer in post-harvest handing of guavas in rural areas.

Effect of Rice Husk Ash and Neem Extracts on Callosobruchus maculatus in Stored Cowpea in Northern Ghana

Effect of Rice Husk Ash and Neem Extracts on Callosobruchus maculatus in Stored Cowpea in Northern Ghana

Antioxidant Properties of Azadirachta Indica Leave Extracts

Background: Azadirachta Indica is an important medicinal plant commonly found in India, Africa, America, Europe, and many other regions of the world. The current study was designed to investigate the concentrations of important phenolic/flavonoid contents of ethanolic extracts of Azadirachta Indica (neem) leaves (Lahore, Pakistan). Methods: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed the presence of three phenolic compounds (gallic acid, sinapic acid, and caffeic acid) and two flavonols (Myricetin and Kaempferol). The plant extract contained the highest and lowest concentrations of myricetin acid (26.41µg/g) and kaempferol (3.35µg/g) among flavonols, respectively. Results: Both acids are helpful in the manufacturing of antioxidant medicines. Among phenolics, sinapic acid (45.73µg/g) and gallic acid (1.96µg/g) were present in highest and lowest concentrations in plant leaves, respectively. Conclusion: Gallic acid, sinapic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, and kaempferol possess antioxidant and therapeutic potential and are highly beneficial for human health. Human beings can get many benefits and produce more medicines from the leaf extract of neem in the future. Many more advantages can also be taken from different parts of neem (leaves, seeds, and bark).

Comprehensive Analysis of Nutrient Composition: Evaluating Vitamins, Essential Minerals, and Trace Metals in Neem (Azadirachta indica) Stem Bark Extract

The current study sought to investigate the nutrients in an aqueous extract of Neem (Azadirachta indica) stem bark. The bioactive chemical contents of Neem stem bark were isolated, separated, and studied to determine the presence of vitamins, vital minerals, and trace metals. A fresh Neem sample was collected and the sample was ground into powdered form and prepared via extraction using various solvents (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol), and the chemical constituents were separated using the GC/MS technique. The Neem stem sample was later digested with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide in the ratio 4:1 (acid ratio). The trace metals and important minerals in digested Neem samples were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS), while Na+ and K+ were determined using a flame photometer. The results revealed that calcium is the most prevalent mineral in Neem stem bark, followed by potassium and sodium, but copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, and other minerals are present in trace amounts, while cadmium and lead are virtually missing. Furthermore, according to the results of the vitamin studies, the most abundant vitamins in Neem stem bark are vitamin B3 and vitamin C, but vitamins A, B1, B6, and B12 are present in trace amounts.

Bioprotective effects of different Plant Extracts and Essential Oils against Rhizopus stolonifer and Aspergillus niger causing Post Harvest decay in Grapes

The grapes (Vitis vinifera) are one of the largely consumed fruits in the world. Grape production in Pakistan has increased in the recent years. These are mainly consumed fresh or as dried raisins. Grapes are highly perishable, which makes them liable to rot during transport, storage, and marketing. The perishable nature of grapes leads to a considerable amount of post-harvest loss. The production and quality of grapes are adversely affected by several abiotic and biotic factors. Two different cities Pishin (Balochistan) and Faisalabad (Punjab) fruit market and stores were selected to collect rotten grapes. The fungal pathogens isolated were identified as A. niger and R. stolonifers. The pathogenicity of isolated pathogens was assessed at different temperatures (5, 20, and 30 °C) on the Thompson seedless grape variety. Infection and proliferation of fungi were found conducive at 30°C. As antifungal agents, three organic origin oils, neem, cinnamon, and clove oils with levels i.e., 500, 1000, 2000 ppm as well as marigold and neem extracts with diverse concentrations of like 12.5, 25, and 50% were employed. Among these organic compounds, cinnamon and clove oils at 2000 ppm exhibited 6.54% and 15.3% decay against A. niger, respectively. Meanwhile, against R. stolonifer, cinnamon and clove oils at 2000 ppm exhibited 12.22% and 6.74% decay, respectively. This study's findings focus on the effectiveness of both essential oils and plant extract in significantly delaying the decay process caused by fungal pathogens. The present study underscores the protective ability of the plant extracts and natural oils which could be a way forward for eco-safe management of post-harvest diseases of grapes before they reach the market.

Efficacy of Plant Extracts for the Control of Pepper Insect Pest (Green Peach Aphid (Myzus persicae L.)

Aphids pose significant threats to crop productivity, necessitating effective and sustainable pest management strategies. This study investigated the repellent properties of neem and papaya leaf extracts on green peach aphids and the impact of the extracts on plant growth in pepper (Capsicum spp.). The experiment involved 7 treatments and 3 treatment replications with varying concentrations of neem and papaya extracts (6.5 v:v, 7.5 v:v, and 8.5 v:v) compared to a control group (Distilled water). The Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used as an experimental design. The study site was Cuttington University’s College of Agriculture Research site. The distances between plots and blocks were 0.6 m and 1 m, correspondingly. In the laboratory bioassay, results uncovered distinct trends, with the control treatment exhibiting the highest mean aphid count (41.0), while neem 8.5 v:v (6.0) and papaya 8.5 v:v (8.1) treatments established substantial effectiveness in reducing aphid populations. The highest mean aphid counts following biopesticidal application were 48.0 and 76.7 after 1 and 2 weeks, respectively and were recorded in the untreated control plots, while the lowest mean aphid counts were 21.3 and 6.0 after 1 and 2 weeks, respectively. Furthermore, neem 8.5 v:v treatment consistently showed the highest mean values across plant height (16.2 cm), leaf length (8.2 cm), leaf width (5.2 cm), and repellency index (3.0), indicating potential positive impacts on plant growth and repellency. Untreated control measured the lowest values for plant height (13.8 cm), leaf length (6.0 cm) and repellency index (1.0). The study demonstrated the potential of both extracts to suppress aphid populations and enhance plant growth. Applying these natural extracts as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy can be beneficial for controlling aphid infestations in pepper crops. Their use as repellents can reduce aphid populations, minimizing potential crop damage and yield losses.