In vitro antifungal efficacy of aqueous leaf extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) against Lasiodiplodia theobromae, the cause of kola nuts rot in West Africa
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Date
2024-06
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Faculty of Agriculture, University of Punjab, Pakistan
Abstract
In vitro efficacy of eco-friendly aqueous neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) leaf extract was explored
against the fungal pathogen Lasidioplodia theobromae (Pat.) Griffon & Maubl., the cause of storage rot of kola
nuts (Cola nitida Schott & Endl.), in West Africa. Aqueous neem leaf extracts at concentrations of 10%, 30%
and 50% (w/v) were used to amend freshly prepared potato dextrose agar culture medium on which discs of L.
theobromae were inoculated followed by incubation at room temperature for 72 hours. The findings
demonstrated significant inhibition of fungal growth, with the highest inhibition observed at 50% (w/v)
concentration of the extract. This suggests that aqueous neem leaf extract possesses fungicidal properties against
L. theobromae, offering a natural alternative for controlling this pathogen and reducing pesticide residues in
stored kola nuts, as well as its effects on consumers and the environment as a whole
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Olahan and Ajadi (2024)