Determination of Antifungal and Phytochemical Properties of Common Hydrophytes in Nigeria: Insight on Post-Harvest Fungal Pathogens of Fruit Pulp of Phoenix dactylifera

This study evaluated the antifungal and phytochemical properties of three common hydrophytes (Nymphaea lotus, Paspalum scrobiculatum, and Eichhornia crassipes) in Makurdi, Nigeria, focusing on their efficacy against post-harvest fungal pathogens.The hydrophyte extracts were screened for phytochemical content and tested against fungal isolates (Fusarium oxysporium, Rhizopus nigricans, Mucor indicus, and Aspergillus niger) from Phoenix dactylifera using the petroleum ether and water extraction methods.Results indicated that Eichhornia crassipes exhibited the strongest antifungal activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 15 mm to 19 mm and the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration values (12.50-25.00mg/mL).Nymphaea lotus showed moderate activity, while Paspalum scrobiculatum had the weakest effect.Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, and cardiac glycosides in all extracts, with E. crassipes containing the highest concentrations of tannins (2.65 mg/g), steroids (2.76 mg/g), and phenols (2.30 mg/g).The study concluded that the selected hydrophytes, particularly E. crassipes, possess significant antifungal properties that correlates with their rich phytochemical composition.Furthermore, a comprehensive ecological and cytogenetic study of the invasive species in the present work is recommended for future investigation particularly in the production of eco-friendly bio-fungicides suitable for the management of post-harvest crop losses.