Abstract

Biotreatments of the Phytopathogenic Fungi in Water Melon (Post-Harvest) Using Chromolaena Odorata and Azadirachta Indica Leaves Extracts

Author(s): Oladeji O, Odelade K and Adeeyo A

In a hungry world with an ever-increasing population, efforts are made at reducing crop loss due to pathogen infestation. In recent time, the application of synthetic fungicide proved effective in inhibiting growth of plant-pathogenic fungi and this increases the use tremendously, thereby causing a lot of harmful effects such as health and environmental problems. In the attempt to combat this, many countries have made rules and regulations in the use of fungicides. The uses of phytochemicals in the treatment of plant microbes have been found to be the better alternative. Therefore, there is need to isolate and identify the pathogenic fungi associated with the deterioration of watermelon fruits (post-harvest) and the of use different plant leaves extraction in the treatment of the phytopathogens is inevitable. The highest activity of the plant extracts was found mostly in extracts of high concentrations; showing the effects of concentration on the susceptible organisms. Thus, C. odorata and A. indica could serve as a natural fungicide in inhibiting the growth of plant-pathogenic fungi due to the presence of phytochemicals in the plants. Therefore, could serve as potential raw materials in chemical industry for producing fungicides.