Efficacy of Azadirachta Indica Leaves Extract in, Management of Fungal Diseases of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum Annuum L.) Fruit in Gusau Local Government, Zamfara State, Nigeria

Isolation of fungal species and efficacy of Azadirachta indica Ethanol leaves extract in the management of fungal pathogens of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruit was conducted. Samples were collected from three locations (Geba, Gidan Malammai, and Chakal) of Gusau local government in sterile polythene bags and transported to the laboratory of Biological Sciences, Sokoto State University for fungal isolation. The frequency of occurrence was investigated and pathogenicity test was carried out. Four fungal species of Rhizopous stolonifer, Rhizopous oryzae, Aspergillus niger, and Mucor hiemalis were isolated and found to be pathogenic to sweet pepper. Aspergillus niger had the highest frequency of occurrence and Rhizopous oryzae exhibited the highest level of virulence. The Ethanol extract of Azadirachta indica showed statistically (p≤0.05) significant inhibitory activity against the isolated fungus. The extract showed more inhibitory activity at the highest concentration. In conclusion, all fungal species are pathogenic to sweet pepper. It is recommended that more research on the fungal species affecting sweet pepper should be conducted in other local government areas of Zamfara State.