Neem Leaf Extract Research Articles

Botanical Leaf Extracts and Mulching Materials in Organic Eggplant (Solanum Melongena L.) Off Season Production

The extensive use of pesticides and the risk they pose to human and the environment requires safe alternatives in crop production hence the study on the efficacy of botanical leaf extracts and mulching materials in organic eggplant production. This study determined the best level combination of botanical leaf extracts that has repellent and knockdown effects on major eggplant insect pest, best level combination of botanical leaf extracts that produces the highest marketable yield; best mulching materials; best level combination of botanical leaf extracts and mulching; correlation of infestation to yield; profitability of eggplant production using botanical leaf extracts and mulching materials combined; and evaluate the effects of botanical leaf extracts and mulching materials on soil chemical properties. A Bioassay test on the botanical leaf extracts was conducted prior to field experiment. Mass rearing the test insects was done to ensure uniform number of insect in eggplant per treatment. A Split- plot in Factorial Design was used in the study with three blocks. The main plot were the leaf extracts of Neem, Madre de Cacao+ Guava at 1:1:1 ratio were: P0 – No Application, P1 –250 ml leaf extract/16 li water, P2 –500 ml leaf extract /16 li water, P3 –750 ml leaf extract /16 li water, P4 – 40 ml Commercial insecticide/16 li water. The sub-plot was: M1 – Black Plastic mulch, M2 – Carbonize Rice Hulls, and M3 – Saw Dust. Results of the bioassay showed highly significant knockdown effect in the application of 500-750ml leaf extract/16 li water on fruit and shoot borer, lady spotted beetle and white flies comparable to application of commercial insecticide/16 li water. Significant repellent effects on Fruit Shoot Borer and Lady spotted beetles but no repellent effects on white flies for an application of 250ml botanical leaf extracts/16li water. Results under field condition showed that plants applied with 750ml botanical leaf extracts/16 li water is more effective than commercial insecticide/16 li water in reducing damaged leaves during the early vegetative stage of development (2nd WAT) and at reproductive stage of development (10th WAT). Highly significant difference was obtained in terms in weight of non-marketable fruit. No significant interaction was registered between botanical leaf extracts and mulching materials. Regression correlation analysis revealed that there was a direct correlation between the numbers of damaged leaves to yield. Combined application of botanical leaf extracts at 750ml/16 li water + carbonized rice hulls obtained Php 797,635.15 net for organic off-season eggplant production. Soil pH, OM, P, and K were increased with application of sawdust, carbonized rice hulls and plastic mulch.

A REVIEW ON COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES OF BRINJAL SHOOT AND FRUIT BORER

Cultivation of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is of significant globalimportance, especially in Bangladesh, where it ranks second after potato. The production of brinjal in Bangladesh was 619000 Mt in 2021-22. However, the annual brinjal production in Bangladesh lags behind to leading brinjal-producing countries like India, China, and Japan due to various challenges encompassing environmental factors, soil conditions, insect pests, and diseases. One of the most formidable challenges is the infestation of brinjal shoot and fruit borer (BSFB), Leucinodes orbonalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), which inflicts substantial yield losses and threatens food security. This review synthesizes existing knowledgeand innovations to provide a comprehensive understanding of management strategies to combat this notorious pest. This article states the effectiveness of various approaches, and their ecological and economic impacts, and offersinsights and recommendations for sustainable management strategies of BSFB.Integrated pest management (IPM) packages have demonstrated significant success in reducingthe infestation of brinjal shoot and fruit borer. Among the tacticsof IPM, culturalpractices such as mulching and clipping proveto be highly effective in reducing infestation levels. Neem oil and leaf extract have shown to be effective in controlling this pest.

Investigation of Bio Fungicidal Properties of Crude Extracts of Neem Leaf against Blast Disease of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana)

The efficacy of neem leaf extract against finger millet blast pathogen Magnaporthe grisea was assessed invitro. The neem leaf extract significantly inhibits the pathogen mycelial growth and melanin biosynthesis. Neem leaf extract shows 84.33 % inhibition of the pathogen over control. Volatile test infer that no volatile compounds were found to be involved in growth inhibition and melanin production inhibition. In field experiments foliar spray with neem leaf extract 5%, 10% and 15% along with chemical Tricyclazole 0.1% and Picoxystrobin 6.78% + Tricyclazole 0.1 % was done. Data recorded on leaf blast PDI at 15, 25 and 40 days after transplanting revealed that lower leaf blast PDI of 17.72, 16.45 and 15.45 respectively was recorded in neem leaf extract (T1,T2,T3) which is comparatively similar with chemical treatment 1 and 2 PDI 13.00 and 10.90. In neem leaf extract treated field a significant yield increase was also observed.

Efficacy of Bio-Rational Insecticides in Controlling Thrips in Summer Country Bean

Aims: To study the efficacy of biorational insecticides in controlling thrips in summer country bean.
 Study design: The study used a single component Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in the central farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from March to May 2021.
 Methodology: The experiment consisted of seven treatments and was laid in a single factor Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment consists of the following management practices: T1=Spraying Neem oil @ 6 ml/L of water at 7 days interval, T2=Spraying Neem leaf extract @ 200 mg/L of water at 7 days interval, T3= Mehgoni leaf extract @ 200 mg/L of water at 7 days interval, T4=Tobacco leaf powder @ 30 mg/L of water at 7 days interval, T5= Spraying Spinosad @ 0.4 ml/L of water at 7 days interval, T6=Spraying Biotrin @1.4 ml/L of water at 7 days interval and T7= Untreated control.
 Results: Among the seven (7) treatments the lowest number of thrips (2.50 plant-1) was observed in T5 (Spraying Spinosad @ 0.4 ml/L of water at 7 days interval), while highest number of thrips (16.67 plant-1) was observed in T7 (Untreated control). The highest percentage of thrips reduction over control (85.50%) was observed in T5 (Spraying Spinosad @ 0.4 ml/L of water at 7 days interval) treatment. The present study revealed that the lowest number of thrips as insect pest and increased plant, leaf, inflorescence and pod infestation, different yield contributing characters and yield of country bean might be obtained by using the treatment T5 (Spraying Spinosad @ 0.4 ml/L of water at 7 days interval) besides T6 (Spraying Biotrin @ 1.4 ml/L of water at 7 days interval) performed as second best treatment whereas, T7 (Control) and T3 (Mehgoni leaf extract @ 200 mg/L of water at 7 days interval) may protect the country bean at lowest rate in summer.
 Conclusion: It can be concluded that, spraying of Spinosad @ 0.4ml/L of water at 7 days interval as a bio-rational management practice for thrips population control for country bean variety BARI Sheem-4 in summer reduced the infestation of thrips at the most satisfactory level.

Efficacy of plant extracts in growth promotion and onion purple blotch management: Unveiling metabolite fingerprinting of promising neem leaf extracts through GC MS

Efficacy of plant extracts in growth promotion and onion purple blotch management: Unveiling metabolite fingerprinting of promising neem leaf extracts through GC MS

Effect of Different Post-Harvest Treatments on Quality and Shelf Life of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Fruits During Storage

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is a widely consumed vegetable crop worldwide. The perishability of fruits increased due to the high level of moisture which reduces quality and shelf life. Thus, this study was conducted in Kanchanpur, Nepal from 11th July to 1st August 2022 to investigate the impact of postharvest application of various chemical substances and plant extracts on the post-harvest life of tomatoes throughout the storage. The pink stage of the Heemsohna variety of tomato fruit was harvested and dipped in various treatment solutions; 0.1 % Gibberellic acid (GA3), 1.5% calcium chloride (CaCl2), 10% Aloe vera gel, and 15% Neem leaf extract (NLE) or distilled water as control. After that, the fruits were air-dried and kept at ambient temperatures. The experiment was set up using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 replications and 5 treatments. At three-day intervals throughout storage, the physicochemical properties and shelf life of tomato fruit were examined. The different postharvest treatments caused the changes in total soluble solids, titratable acidity, decaying loss, and weight loss to be delayed compared to the control. With 0.1% GA3 and 1.5% CaCl2, fruit had the lowest decay percentage followed by aloe vera gel and NLE. Similarly, the fruits dipped in 1.5% CaCl2, had shown maximum shelf life of 21 days. Hence, it was determined that postharvest treatment with GA3, CaCl2, Aloe vera gel, and NLE possesses the capacity to keep quality, extend shelf life, and delay spoilage.

Formulation of Herbal Topical Dermatological Dosage Form by Quality by Design Approach

Objective: The study developed an optimized dosage form by quality by design (QbD) approach containing Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf extract and a combination of selected herbal oils viz. A. indica oil, Eucalyptus citriodora oil and Cymbopogon martini oil and assessed for its antifungal efficacy, stability and dermal safety. Methods: Ointment was prepared using the fusion method from an extract of neem leaves with a combination of herbal oils viz. A. indica, E. citriodora, C. martini, bees wax and soft-paraffin. Utilizing the Box-Behnken Design (BBD), the variables such as the percentage of soft paraffin, beeswax and melting temperature were optimized in relation to the output variables such as viscosity, spreadability, and finally the antifungal efficacy, which was further quantified. Wistar albino rats were used (n = 5/test, positive and negative control) to evaluate the acute dermal toxicity test of the formulated ointment. Stability studies were assessed at 25 ± 2℃/ 60 ± 5% RH and 40 ± 2℃/ 75 ± 5% RH. Results: Melting point and percentage of beeswax significantly affect viscosity and spreadability. Optimal viscosity was obtained at 5.4% beeswax and 89.6% soft-paraffin when melted at 58℃. No dermal toxicity was observed by the ointment when comparable to petroleum jelly, both differed significantly with negative control. The absence of new spots on chromatograms, a prominent zone on agar plates, and negligible changes in spreadability (p = 0.112) all suggested physical stability, chemical stability, and antifungal efficacy, respectively. Conclusion: Neem leaf extract and a blend of selected herbal oils; A. indica, E. citrodora, and C. martini, when combined to formulate ointment, proved reliable and stable dosage form with significant anti-fungal efficacy. The formulated ointment might be helpful tool for dermatophytes management.

Synergistic Antifungal Bioassay of Neem Leaves Extract with Essential Oils against Dermatophytes

Introduction: The neem plant is also known as a panacea in dentistry due to its antimicrobial properties and plays vital role in the cosmetic industry as it is extensively used in cosmetic preparations for hair and skin care. Objective: The present study was carried out to evaluate the synergistic activity of essential oils in combination with neem leaves ethanolic extracts. Methods: The antifungal activity of neem leaves (Azadirachta indica) ethanolic extracts in combination with A. indica, Eucalyptus citriodora and Cymbopogon martini essential oils was conducted by agar well diffusion method followed by M38-A2 broth microdilution method on pathogenic dermatophytes strains; Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. rubrum. Neem leaves extract was obtained by treating the matured green leaves with ethanol. Moreover, HPLC analysis was performed to narrate the terpenoid content having extensively noted antifungal spectrum. The potent antimycotic fluconazole taken as a positive control. Result: The result exhibited that there was overall growth retardation of the dermatophytes at minimum inhibitory concentration between 125 to 250 μg/mL for leaves extract and between 0.078 to 5.0 μL for selected essential oils. The range of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of fluconazole was found between 0.25 and 0.50 μg/mL. Conclusion: Neem leaves ethanolic extracts analysis showed the possible existence of terpenoids in extracts that are recognized having extensive biological action. The outcomes of this study showed a novel report on the therapeutic potential of neem leaves extract with A. indica, E. citriodora and C. martini to control dermatophytosis. The neem leaf extract and antifungal herbal oil in combination have been proven to improve and broad-spectrum antifungal activity and they can be formulated in suitable formulations for the effective treatment of mycosis.

Green synthesis of ZnO, CuO and NiO nanoparticles using Neem leaf extract and comparing their photocatalytic activity under solar irradiation

ABSTRACT In this study, a facile, green, and eco-friendly approach was conducted for the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO), copper oxide (CuO), and nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles (NPs) using the leaf extract of the Azadirachta indica (neem) plant. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (X-RD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The X-RD showed that the synthesized ZnO, CuO, and NiO NPs were of high purity, mostly hexagonal, monoclinic, and cubic in shape, with an average crystalline size in the range 25.26–10.50 nm. The EDX confirms the presence of different elements: Zn, Cu, Ni, and O. Morphology of the nanoparticles was investigated with SEM. The presence of Zn-O, Ni-O, and Cu-O stretching vibration bands was revealed in FT-IR spectrum. The optical band gaps were in the range of 2.59–1.67 eV. The photocatalytic activity of NPs was evaluated by carrying out the degradation of methylene blue under solar irradiation. Among, the biosynthesized nanoparticles, CuO NPs showed excellent photocatalyst performance compared to ZnO and NiO NPs.

Efficacy of Eco-Friendly Bio-Pesticides against the Whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) for Sustainable Eggplant Cultivation in Kebbi State, Nigeria

The eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is among the vital fruit vegetables cultivated globally for its health and nutritional benefits. However, its production has been hindered by whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci G.) infestation worldwide. This study aims to assess the effect of some bio-pesticides in the control of whiteflies on eggplants under field conditions. The trial consists of seventeen (17) treatments replicated three times for 45 days. From the results obtained, neem leaf extract (60 mL/L) proved more effective against whiteflies, with 1.2 and 1.3 adults/leaf, while buttermilk and cow dung (50 mL/L) were less effective (10.1 and 10.8 adults/leaf) when compared to untreated plots (26.9 and 33.4 adults/leaf), two weeks after the third spray during the first and second trials. The highest reduction (%) in whitefly population was found using neem leaf extract (95.7 and 96.1%) and cow urine (85.8 and 96.1%), with cow dung and buttermilk exhibiting the least overall averages (65.9 and 62.3%), two weeks after the third spray during the respective trials. Neem extract and cow urine were more effective among the treatments examined and, thus, recommended to be incorporated into control strategies of whiteflies for the improved production of eggplants in the area.

Eco-friendly management of mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi Kalt.

A field trial was conducted at Oilseed Farm, C S Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur. The trial was laid out in RBD with three replications using mustard cultivars Varuna. Seven insecticides viz. NSKE@5%, Neem leaf extract@ 5%, Neem oil 2%, Eucalyptus leaf extract 5%, Fennel leaf extract 5%, Dimethoate 30EC @ 1ml/liter and Thiamethoxam 25WG @ 0.2gm/liter with second spray of each treatment after 15 days of first spray were evaluated. Thiamethoxam 25WG @ 0.2gm/liter followed by its second spray after 15 days of first spray was most effective treatments against mustard aphid followed by Dimethoate 30EC @ 1ml/liter followed by its second spray after 15days of first spray. The highest seed yield (18.73 q/ha.) was obtained with Thiamethoxam 25WG @ 0.2gm/liter followed by its second spray after 15 days of first spray which was at par with NSKE@5%followed by its second spray after 15days of first spray (16.83 q/ha.). The incremental Benefit Cost Ratio (1:40:63) was also highest with Thiamethoxam 25WG @ 0.2gm/liter followed by its second spray after 15 days of first spray.

Assessment of Anti-Carcinogenic Potential of Neem (<i>Azadirachta indica</i>) Leaf Extract Loaded Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles against Experimentally Induced Mammary Carcinogenesis in Rats

Considering the need for alternative medicine in alleviation of tumors and use of nanotechnology in furthering the action of herbal/natural products, the present study was designed to evaluate the anti-carcinogenic potential of Neem leaf Extract (NE) loaded calcium phosphate nanoparticles (NE-CaNP) on 7, 12-Dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) induced mammary tumors in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Ultrastructurally, the NE-CaNP were smooth, spherical with a tendency to agglomerate and evenly distributed. The NE-CaNP had a mean diameter of 231.4 ± 89.2 nm and zeta potential of -31.3mV. The mean coupling efficiency of CaNP was 90-91 %. The experimental trial consisted of control, NE-CaNP control, DMBA, DMBA+NE and DMBA+NE-CaNP groups. The mean latency periods for occurrence of mammary tumor were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased in the DMBA+NE and DMBA+NE-CaNP groups compared to the DMBA group. The mean latency period in the DMBA+NE-CaNP group was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher than the DMBA+NE group. The mean tumor frequency, volume and weight were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased in the DMBA+NE-CaNP group. Histopathologically, the number of benign lesions was found highest (47.54%) in DMBA+NE-CaNP group rats. The relative percent reduction in malignancy as compared to the DMBA group was 42.86% and 54.29% in the DMBA+NE and DMBA+NE-CaNP groups respectively. In conclusion, the neem leaf extract loaded calcium phosphate nanoparticles were found to have better anti-carcinogenic potential by significantly reducing the incidence, frequency, weight, volume, malignancy and increased the tumor latency period of DMBA induced mammary tumors in female Sprague-Dawley rats as compared to rats treated with neem extract alone. Findings of the present study suggested that the neem leaf extract loaded calcium phosphate nanoparticles (NE-CaNP) has immense anticancer potential in terms of reduction in tumor burden and malignancy.

Efficacy of Neem Leaves Extract and Aloe Vera as Antimicrobial in Hand Sanitizer

Since the coronavirus disease pandemic of 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading quickly around the world, 99% alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS) is utilized to minimize disease transmission. During the COVID-19 outbreak, isopropyl supply becomes limited. Herbal based hand sanitizers were used as an alternative way during pandemic to reduce the spreading of COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of neem leaves extract and aloe vera as antimicrobials for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria which can readily be found on the hands. Moreover, 30% isopropyl alcohol, citrus lemon oil, essential oil and vitamin E oil were also added in the formulations. Four different hand sanitizers were formulated which labelled as A1, A2, A3 and A4. The initial formulation, A1, is said to be the most effective because it contains the highest amount of neem leaf extract and aloe vera, and it is followed by A2, which contains less neem leaf extract and aloe vera. A3 does not contain neem leaf extract, while A4 does not contain aloe vera. All formulations contained the same amount of isopropyl alcohol, essential oil, vitamin E oil, and citrus lemon. Streaking methods on Tryptic Soy Agar plate and nutrient agar plate were used to evaluate the effectiveness of hand sanitizer against S. aureus and E. coli bacteria. The total colony forming unit (CFU) and percentage of effectiveness were calculated to compare the antimicrobial activity of all the formulations. The results revealed that a significant reduction in total bacterial colony counts of microbes after treatment with the formulations. Besides, pH value for A1, A2, A3 and A4 were also evaluated, and the results were 5.2, 5.3, 4.8, and 5.5 respectively. Among all four formulations, A1 showed the highest efficiency of microbial disinfectant for both S. aureus and E. coli bacteria by showing the reduction of microbes for 94.55% and 97.27% respectively since A1 contains the highest amount of neem leaves extract and aloe vera. It also has a skin-friendly pH value of 5.2 which is slightly acidic to control the bacterial infection and applicable since it is within the pH range of 4.5 to 6.5 found in human skin.

Therapeutic Potentials of Azadirachta indica and Ocimum gratissimum, and their Synagistic Effects in Treatment of Plasmodium berghei Infected Albino Mice

Antimalarial resistance is a major challenge for effective control of malaria. This triggered the need to monitor the efficacy of Azadirachta indica and Ocimum gratissimum in the disease management. The present study compared antimalarial activities of the leaf extracts of the individual plants and evaluated their combined effects on malaria infected mice. The leaves of the different plants were extracted with absolute ethanol (BDL 95%) for the test. Clean albino mice were experimentally infected intraperitoneally with chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei Nk65 strain. Parasitaemia level was determined before parasite inoculation and at 24 hours post treatment period. Efficacy of the leaf extracts was tested on the infected mice using Peter’s 4-days suppressive and curative tests, and secondary biological assessment procedures.The lethal median dose (LD50) recorded for neem and clove basil leaf extracts were 31.62 and 1246.9 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Infected mice treated with leaf extracts of the plants and their combinations produced significant dose- dependent activity against the parasite (P<0.05). Highest reduction of parasitaemia was observed on day 4. Maximum parasitaemia reduction (78.65%) was attained with 30mg/kg of the combination of the extracts on the 7th day. These observations indicate better anti-malarial activity of the combination therapy as compared with the individual extracts of the plants, and also show their good antimalarial potentials.

INHIBITORY EFFECT OF INDIAN LILAC LEAF EXTRACT (Azadirachta indica) ON THE GROWTH OF E. FAECALIS ATCC 29212

This study aims to determine the inhibition of water-based Indian lilac leaf extract (Azadirachta indica) against Enterococcus faecalis. This study is a laboratory experimental conducted using the disc. There were 24 samples used in the form of cultures of E. faecalis in Muller Hilton Agar (MHA) media. Variations in the concentration of Indian lilac leaf extract treatment are 80%, 100%, NaOCl 2.5% (positive control), and sterile aquades (negative control). The mean inhibition of neem leaf extract concentrations of 80% and 100% was 0 mm, while the positive control NaOCl 2.5% was 0.85 mm.Water-based Indian lilac leaf extract contains antibacterial properties but no inhibition against Enterococcus faecalis bacteria.

Effect of Botanicals on Fall Armyworm and Predators in Sorghum Ecosystem

The present field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla during kharif (June-November), 2019 to know the impact of botanicals against fall armyworm, S. frugiperda and their natural enemies (coccinellids, spiders and predatory bugs) in the sorghum ecosystem. Among the botanicals, the highest population reduction of FAW egg masses and larval population was recorded in NSKE @ 5% (71.43 and 60.87%, respectively), green chilli pod extract @ 5% (61.90 and 54.35%, respectively), neem leaf extract @ 5% (69.05 and 45.65%, respectively) and garlic bulb extract @ 5% (52.38 and 54.35%, respectively) treated plots. The botanicals that are used in the experiment were found safe from natural enemies. The maximum population of natural enemies i.e., coccinellids, spiders and predatory bugs was recorded in pongamia leaf extract @ 5% (0.16, 0.22 and 0.10 plant-1, respectively) whereas, the least was observed in emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 11 g a.i. ha-1 (0.02, 0.02 and 0.01 plant-1 respectively) treated plots. The emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 11 g a.i. ha-1 presented an adverse effect on natural enemies whereas no or few natural enemies were observed compared to botanical extracts. Therefore, it is recommended that spraying of botanicals has to be done four times at weekly intervals to keep FAW populations below economic injury level until crop maturity and these treatments were also found safe to natural enemies of FAW.

The Effect of Monensin vs. Neem, and Moringa Extracts on Nutrient Digestibility, Growth Performance, Methane, and Blood Profile of Merino Lambs.

Plant secondary compounds are potential rumen modifiers that can improve nutrient utilization in ruminant animals. This study evaluated the effect of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extracts on nutrient digestibility, growth performance, and enteric methane production in South African Mutton Merino lambs. Forty 4-month-old ram lambs with a mean body weight of 35 ± 2.2 kg were blocked by weight and from each block, lambs were randomly allocated into one of the following treatments: (i) diet only (fed a total mixed ration TMR-negative control), (ii) Monensin (fed TMR containing Monensin sodium, 15 mg/kg DM), (iii) Moringa (fed TMR, drenched with Moringa extract 50 mg/kg feed DM intake), and (iv) Neem (fed TMR, drenched with Neem extract 50 mg/kg DM intake). Extracts were administered via oral drenching at a concentration determined based on the previous week's feed intake. There were no differences in dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed conversion efficiency, digestibility, and nitrogen retention across the treatments. However, the extracts tended to reduce methane emitted both in g/head/day (p < 0.08) and g/ kg dry matter intake (p < 0.07). Extracts did not influence any of the blood metabolites in the ram lambs. Although the benefits of utilizing these medicinal plants as rumen modifiers under prolonged feeding conditions is justified, further evaluation is recommended to test Moringa and Neem leaf extracts at higher inclusion levels. Our research group is currently exploring a variety of phytogenic tools for the identification and standardization of key bioactive compounds linked to methane inhibition, in these leaf extracts.

Antimalarial Effects of Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Azadirachta indica and Ocimum gratissimum, and Their Histologic Effects on Some Organs (Liver, Kidney and Heart) of Plasmodium berghei Infected Albino Mice

Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Ociumum gratissimum (clove Basil) have long been employed locally for the management of malaria. The present study compared antimalaria activities of the ethanolic leaf extracts of the individual plants, and assessed their combined effects on some organs of malaria-infected mice, at the Parasitology and Histopathology units, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, from January to March, 2021. The leaves of the different plants were extracted with absolute ethanol (BDL 95%) for the test. Clean albino mice were experimentally infected intraperitoneally with chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei NK65 strain. Parasitaemia level was determined before parasite inoculation and at 24 hours post treatment period. Histopathological study on the liver, kidney, and heart was carried out using the Paraffin Setions method. Extracts of the leaves were administered orally, while chloroquine administration was intramuscular. The efficacy of the leaf extracts was tested on the P. berghei infected albino mice using the 4-day curative test. The lethal median dose (LD50) recorded for neem and clove basil leaf extracts were 31.62 and 1246.9 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Significant activity against the parasite was produced by infected mice treated with extracts of A. indica and O. gratissimum, and their combinations throughout the treatment period (P&lt;.05). Highest reduction of parasitaemia was observed on day 4. Maximum parasitaemia reduction (78.65%) was attained with 30mg/kg of the combined extracts on the 7th day. Mild pathological lesions were observed in mice treated with A. indica leaf extract. These observations indicate better anti-malaria activity of the combination therapy as compared with the individual extracts of A. indica and O. grassimum, and indicate good antimalarial and protective roles of the plant extracts on the parasitized mice at large, as it slows down development of resistance.

COMPARISON OF ISOLATES OF Phytophthora colocasiae Raciborski FROM DIVERSE ALTITUDES AND APPRAISAL OF PLANT EXTRACTS FOR ITS MANAGEMENT IN VITRO

Leaf blight disease caused by Phytophthora colocasiae Raciborski is a serious constraint to taro production. This study was carried out to characterize the isolates of P. colocasiae from Makurdi, Nigeria and Befang, Cameroon; and evaluate the potential of aqueous leaf extracts of Eucalyptus, neem and mahogany at 0, 50 and 100% concentrations for management of the pathogen. A synthetic fungicide (Mancozeb) was included as a check. The isolate from Befang had more radial growth than that from Makurdi. The colonies of both isolates were translucent and low on corn meal agar (CMA) but opaque and high on acetate differential agar enriched with dextrose (ADAD). The texture of the Befang isolate was filamentous on CMA but hard and grainy on ADAD; the Makurdi isolate was filamentous on both media. Mancozeb and all the plant extracts inhibited the growth of the pathogen significantly (P≤0.05). Among the extracts, Eucalyptus at 100% concentration was the most potent (94.4-100.0% inhibition) and it was comparable to Mancozeb (100% inhibition); mahogany at 50% was the least potent (&lt;20%). Both concentrations of neem gave similar levels of growth inhibition (mean=50.0–64.6%) throughout. Other inhibitory levels were 32.0–57.3% for Eucalyptus at 50% and 24.0–53.9% for mahogany at 100%. These results indicated that ADAD and CMA were appropriate culture media for the fungus. The extracts of Eucalyptus, neem and mahogany had fungicidal activity against P. colocasiae; therefore they should be incorporated into management programmes for the pathogen.

Role of gibberellins, neem leaf extract, and serine in improving wheat growth and grain yield under drought-triggered oxidative stress.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-023-01402-9.