<i>In vitro</i> activity of the ethanolic extracts of <i>Azadirachta indica</i> on the management of some fungal diseases affecting carrots in Sokoto state, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of the seeds of Azadrachta indica plant extract as botanical antimicrobials on some fungi isolates associated with carrot plant diseases in Sokoto State of Nigeria. The fungi were isolated from diseased carrot plants from selected farms (Moreh, Badageni and Ruggar Liman farms) in the area. Azadrachta indica plant was extracted using ethanol. The common fungi isolated were Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, Mucor hiemalis and Penicillium notatum. The seeds extract of the plant produced a zone of inhibition of 16.33 mm ± 2.52 mm against M. hiemalis. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of the plant extract on the fungi isolated were then determined. The MIC of the extract tested against the organisms inhibited the growth of the fungi at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 6.3 mg/ml for all the organisms. The highest Minimum Fungicidal Concentration was 12.5 mg/ml on A. alternata while the least MFC was on A. alternata at 6.3mg/ml. The MIC and MFC values were observed to vary with the type of organism tested. The findings revealed that Azadrachta indica could be effective in the treatment of fungi associated with carrot plant. The study recommends that the in-vivo study of the plants effectiveness in treating carrot diseases be undertaken.