Antifungal activity of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) Rhizome extracts on postharvest fungi of mango fruits in Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria

Background and objective: Postharvest fungi are among the biotic stresses threatening mango fruit along the mango value chain. A common strategy for controlling fruit fungal infections is the use of synthetic chemical fungicides. These fungicides are not eco-friendly, and their fungi resistance is of great concern. This study evaluated the antifungal activity of ginger rhizome extract on postharvest fungi of mango fruits.Materials and methods: Decaying mango (Mangifera indica) fruits, each showing signs of rot, were purchased from Wurukum, Wadata, Northbank, and high-level markets. Ginger Rhizomes (Zingiber officinale) were also purchased from Wurukum market, which is all in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Saburoud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium was used to isolate fungal pathogens. Fungal isolation was done by the direct plate method. Ginger extracts were prepared using the maceration technique. The antifungal activity of the extract was tested using the pour-plating method.Results and conclusion: Two fungi of Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus stolonifer were pathogenic to healthy mango fruits. Moreover, we found that Aspergillus niger was the most virulent. There was a significant difference (p<۰.۰۵) in the occurrence of fungi across all markets. The rot caused by Aspergillus niger (۴.۳۵ cm۲) and Rhizopus stolonifer (۴.۳۳ cm۲) was significantly higher than the un-inoculated mango fruits (۱.۹۸ cm۲). The aqueous extract of Zingiber officinale inhibited the mycelia radial growth of the tested fungi. Accordingly, it can be used as an alternative to chemical fungicides.

Keywords:

Antifungal , Gingiber officinale , Mangifera indica , postharvest , Pour-plating