Antifungal Activities of Moringa oleifera and Ageratum conyzoides against Fungi Causing Deterioration of Plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.)

Aim: This study investigated antifungal activities of ethanol and methanol leaves extracts of Moringa oleifera and Ageratum conyzoides on fungal pathogens identified in the deterioration of plantain.

Study Design: This experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biology, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria, between September 2022 and March 2023.

Methodology: Samples were inoculated into Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) for isolation of fungi causing spoilage. Fungal identification was based on cultural, microscopic and molecular techniques. The pathogenicity of the fungal isolates was proven by inoculating the isolates onto fresh, mature plantain fruits. The ethanol and methanol extracts of the selected botanicals were tested against the isolated fungi In vitro while the radial growth of the fungi were measured. Analysis of variance was carried out on the results obtained while means were compared using Least Significant Difference (P<0.05).

Results: The isolates obtained were identified as Fusarium moniliforme and Rhizopus stolonifer with the former being more virulent. In the in vitro screening, both botanicals showed a high degree of fungicidal activity by inhibiting the mycelia growth of the rot fungi. Ethanol extracts of both plants were more effective in the suppression of the fungal growth than the methanol extracts.

Conclusion: It is therefore concluded that the extracts of Moringa oleifera and Ageratum conyzoides inhibited the fungal pathogens causing spoilage of plantain In vitro