Application of Azadirachta indica (Neem) organic crude macerated extracts against postharvest decay of fruits caused by Penicillium expansum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Botrytis cinerea

In present study Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves, seeds and twigs macerated extracts were applied as remedy to minimize fruit decay in terms of evaluating their antifungal potential against different plant pathogenic fungi: Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Penicillium expansum and Botrytis cinerea. Antifungal assay against plant pathogenic fungi B. cinerea, C. gloeosporioides and P. expansum was carried out by well diffusion method. Percent yield, minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum fungicidal concentration, percent spore germination inhibition and percent reduction of mycelial dry weight were also determined following reported methods. The results revealed that highest zone of inhibition (22.3±0.58 mm) was shown by methanol seeds extract against Botrytis cinerea while n-hexane leaves and twigs extracts showed no antifungal activities. The n-hexane seed extract zone of inhibition was found to be 20±1.5 mm against C. gloeosporioides however n-hexane leaves and twigs extracts were inactive. Methanol seed extract have shown significant inhibition zone (23±01 mm) against P. expansum however chloroform twigs and n-hexane leaves and twigs extract were inactive. Leaves and seeds extract of A. indica inhibited the growth of spores and mycelium of tested fungal strains. About 100% SGI (total inhibition) was recorded for methanolic leaves and seeds extracts against Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and n-hexane seeds extract against Colletotrichum capsici. The lowest SGI was recorded (36%) for twigs ethyl acetate extract.