EFFICACY OF SELECTED PLANT EXTRACTS FOR INHIBITION OF PENICILLIUM EXPANSUM GROWTH ON APPLE FRUITS

Abstract

Penicillium expansum is an important postharvest pathogen that not only causes decay on apple and pear fruit but also produces the carcinogenic mycotoxin patulin in spoiled and processed fruit. Although synthetic fungicides are effective to protect fruit decay, their potential effects on human health and the environment are a concern. Plant extracts are one of several non-chemical control alternatives that are of inspiringly great interest due to their availability, non-toxicity and environment friendly nature. In this study, evaluation of antifungal activity against P. expansum from four plants (Garlic, Clove, Dodonaea (Sanatha) and Polygonium) by means of solvent extraction with methanol was done. Conidial suspension (100 µL) was applied to each injury site on apple fruits. Lesion diameter of the treated fruits was observed daily for 8 days. The antifungal activity of Polygonium was found highly effective than other three .Growth inhibition activity of P. expansum was dependent. In these results, methanol was found to be an appropriate solvent for use in extracting active compounds from plants presenting antifungal activity against P. expansum. Methanol extracts of Polygonium at 50 µL/wound was the most effective for inhibiting mycelial growth of the fungus.