In vitro Assessment of the Antifungal Effects of Papaya Seed Extracts on Selected Fungal Pathogens Associated with Garden Egg Plants

Garden egg (Solanum aethiopicum) is a nutritionally important vegetable widely cultivated in Africa, yet its production is significantly hampered by fungal pathogens that infect wounds and other plant tissues. This study evaluated the in vitro antifungal efficacy of Carica papaya (papaya) seed extracts against fungal species commonly associated with garden egg infections, including Fusarium spp., Aspergillus niger, and Rhizopus stolonifer. Methanolic and ethanolic extracts of papaya seeds were prepared and tested using agar diffusion and biomass inhibition methods. Fungal isolates were obtained from infected garden egg samples in Kogi State, Nigeria, and identified morphologically. The methanol extract showed superior inhibitory effects on fungal radial growth compared to the ethanol extract, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC₅₀) of 35% for Fusarium spp. and 40% for A. niger, while Rhizopus sp. was less sensitive. Both extracts significantly suppressed fungal growth, though commercial fungicide Benlate exhibited complete inhibition. The study highlights the potential of papaya seed extracts as affordable, eco-friendly, and safe alternatives to synthetic fungicides for managing fungal diseases in garden egg cultivation, promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides