Abstract

ANTIFUNGAL EFFECT OF CHROMOLAENA ODORATA LEAF EXTRACT ON SOME POST-HARVEST FUNGAL PATHOGENS OF SWEET POTATOES (IPOMOEA BATATAS L.)

Felicia W. Nmom*, Chimankpa W. Worlu, Tabowei Onuosa Churchill and Chibuzor Njoku

ABSTRACT

Antinfungal effects of Chromolaena odorata leaf extracts on some post-harvest fungi pathogens of Ipomea batatas was carried out at the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology laboratory, Faculty of Science, Rivers State University. The sample was collected at the horticultural region of the school farm Rivers State University, and was decocted. Isolation of some post-harvest fungal pathogens was done using serial dilution method. The crude extract of C. odorata leaf was introduced in several samples except the control. Population density expressed in terms of Colony Forming Unit (CFU) and percentage contribution of each isolate was determined. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of C. odorata leaf extracts was determined. The zones of clearance were measured in (mm) to determine the impact of the extract on the fungal isolates. The result shows the effect of 100% concentration of C. odorata on the isolates had clear zone of inhibition when compared to the control. The extract had positive inhibitory impact on Aspergillus species (20mm), Alternaria species (20mm), Fusarium species (12mm) and Yeast species (10mm) the extract exhibited higher inhibitory effect on Aspergillus species and Alternaria species than other post-harvest fungal pathogens of I. batatas.

Keywords: Chromolaena odorata, leaf extract, post-harvest pathogen, MIC.