Tropical Plant Research

Edward N. Okey* and Idoroenyin E. Asuqwo

Abstract:
Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus oryzae are two common pathogens of post-harvest fruits diseases in Mkpat Enin area of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria. Traditional control measures of these pathogens have emphasized the use of agro-chemicals with high environmental toxicity. The search for alternative control methods using local plant products which are environmentally friendly is therefore, necessary. Antifungal properties of leave extracts of five plant species;rnMimosa pudica, Phyllanthus amarus, Emilia sonchifolia, Bryophyllum pinnatum and Amaranthus lhybridus leave extracts were investigated using disc diffusion method while screening for bioactive compounds was carried out using standard phytochemical procedures. Antifungal activities were tested against the two pathogens at 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% concentrations. All extracts indicated significant growth inhibition on the two pathogens with 10% recording the highest. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of tannin in all the plant extracts tested while saponin was found in all except Bryophyllum pinnatum extract. Flavonoids were present in all excluding Bryophyllum pinnatum extracts. Leave extracts of the tested plants can be explored as potential crop disease control measures being natural products which are less hazardous.