Antifungal properties of some locally used spices in Nigeria against some rot fungi

Ayodele, S. M.¹*, Ilondu, E. M.² and Onwubolu, N. C.²

¹Department of Biological Sciences, Kogi State University, P.M.B. 1008, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria.

²Department of Botany, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: ayodelemichael2007@yahoo.com .

Tel.: 08036761286

Accepted 4 June, 2009

   Abstract

Water extracts of three spices (Allium sativum, Afromumum melegueta and Zingiber officinale) were tested for antifungal activities against three rot fungi (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium notatum ) using mycelial growth extension method. The extracts showed varying degrees of antifungal activities against the test fungi. P. notatum was observed as the most susceptible fungus while A. niger was the least susceptible. There was no significant difference (P=0.05) in the antifungal activities of the three spices against the test fungi. The effectiveness of the spices extracts increased with increase in extract concentrations. The result of this study indicated that the three spices can be used as alternatives to chemical preservatives of agricultural products against fungal rots caused by the three fungi in storage.

Keywords: Antifungal properties, Allium sativum, Afromomum melegueta Zingiber officinale, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium notatum.