Phytochemical Analysis of Different Plant Extracts and their Inhibitory Effects on Aspergillus niger and Fusarium solani

Abstract

Plant extracts constitutes versatile phytochemicals which can be substituted with commercial synthetic chemicals to inhibit the growth of pathogens. In this study, the methanol and aqueous extracts of guava, jackfruit, tulsi, peppermint and eucalyptus leaves were evaluated in-vitro against Aspergillus niger and Fusarium solani isolated from Pomegranate and Guava respectively. Plant extracts were prepared using Soxhlet apparatus and condensed the extract by rotary evaporation. Highest yield was obtained in methanol plant extracts compared to aqueous extract, as it causes differences in the polarity of the extraction which leads to wide variation in the level of bioactive compounds in the extract. Poison food technique was used to test the antifungal activity of plant extracts. Jackfruit leaves methanol extract at 7000ppm showed maximum inhibition of 88.89% and guava leaves aqueous extract at 3000ppm showed minimum inhibition of 48.15% against Aspergillus niger. In case of Fusarium solani maximum inhibition was observed in jackfruit leaves methanol extract at 7000ppm of 87.89% and minimum inhibition was recorded in eucalyptus leaves aqueous extract of 57.41% at 3000ppm.The qualitative phytochemical screening of selected plant extracts showed various phytochemicals in plant extracts like tannins, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoid, saponin and alkaloid. GC-MS analysis of jackfruit methanol extract showed the presence of 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, 2-hydroxy-1, Octadecanoic acid and Benzene, 1, 2-dimethoxy-4-(1-propenyl). All these findings implied the availability of various phytochemicals might be a source of antifungal agent for inhibition of pathogens and to improve the postharvest quality of fruits.