Comparative analysis of Azadirachta indica and Trichoderma viride in the management of fungal-induced rot in Ipomoea batatas

Ipomoea batatas are susceptible to many plant pathogens. The main causes of pre- and post-harvest rots and other quality problems are farming practices, unusual weather, and post-harvest operations including sorting and shipping. This study was carried out to analyze the antifungal activities of Azadirachta indica and Trichoderma viride in controlling the rot associated with sweet potato tuber. The presence of Fusarium spp, Phytophthora infestans, Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium spp and Alternaria solani were identified as the fungi causing rot in Ipomoea batatas. The study’s findings demonstrated that leaf extracts from Azadirachta indica and Trichoderma viride inhibited the growth of pathogen but varied at different concentrations for each treatment. Azadirachta indica leaf extracts showed a higher inhibitory activity (2.067) than Trichoderma viride (0.512) for the mean difference. Result from this study showed Azadirachta indica to have a more inhibitory effects on the fungi causing rot in Ipomoea batatas than Trichoderma viride. Data obtained revealed that Azadirachta indica has a significant potential as an antifungal treatment for managing rot fungi in Ipomoea batatas than Trichoderma viride. This study recommends the use of Azadirachta indica as an effective and sustainable option for controlling fungal pathogens causing rot in sweet potato.