The Preservation Potential of Utazi and Scent Leaf Extracts against Spoilage Microbes Isolated from Spoilt Water Yam

Plant diseases represent a huge threat to global food security and agricultural sustainability. Water yam gotten from three different locations within Anambra State were allowed to rot before use. Four microorganisms (fungi) - Aspergillus spp, Mucor spp, Fusarium spp and Penicillium spp were isolated and identified from three rotten Dioscorea alata (water yam) varieties from three market sites in Anambra State, Nigeria, in West Africa. Pathogenicity test carried out using the microorganisms confirmed them to be the pathological agents of the rot. Antimicrobial activity test with aqueous extracts of Utazi leaf and Scent leaf showed that three pathogens, Mucor spp, Fusarium spp and Penicillium spp were substantially inhibited in the agar diffusion tests. The result obtained showed that Scent leaf had the best antimicrobial activity for the fungi isolates due to its higher zone of inhibition. Based on this result, utilizing plant extracts like utazi and scent leaf not only leverages their antimicrobial properties but also aligns with sustainable and eco-friendly preservation practices.