Comparative Antifungal Activities of Clove (Syzygium Aromaticum), Mint (Mentha Spicata) and Scent Leaves (Ocimum Gratissimum) Extracts on Postharvest Moulds in Maize, Preliminary Aflatoxin and Amylase Screenings
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1016-5732Keywords:
Postharvest Maize, Botanical Extracts, Antifungal Activity, Storage Moulds, Agar Well Diffusion, N-Hexane Extraction, Botanical BiocontrolAbstract
Postharvest moulds cause degradation in maize nutrients quality, and some produce aflatoxin. This study compares the potential of clove buds, mint and scent leave extracts on post-harvest moulds of maize, and preliminary aflatoxins and amylase screenings. Maize samples were collected from five cultivating communities in Ogun and Osun States. Grains were decontaminated for mould isolation, and characterized using morphological and microscopic features. Twenty gram each of botanical was extracted with n-Hexane using Soxhlet extractor, and 5, 25, 50, 75% dilutions was tested on six moulds isolates in agar well diffusion. n-Hexane, Tween 80, Ketoconazole were controls. Zone of inhibition (ZOI) was measure in millimeter. Amylase and ammonia vapour tests were done. Three-way ANOVA (p<0.001) and descriptive statistics carried out. Mould counts varied significantly (1.40 - 6.70 x 104 cfu/g) across locations. Thirteen mould species of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Trichoderma genera were found with occurrence of 69.08, 23.08, and 7.69% respectively. About 53.08% Aspergillus was positive for amylase, whereas ammonia vapour test was negative for all isolates. Clove differed significantly in antifungal potency to scent and mint leaves, whereas both were statistically similar. ZOI increased significantly with extract concentration, and highest (38±0.1 mm) was by clove at 75 and 50% dilution against Penicillium species and A. niger. A significant three-level interaction occurred between extract type, concentration, and mould species, indicating that antifungal activity was influenced by their combined effects. Therefore, plant extracts demonstrated concentration and mould species dependent efficacy, and could be useful in biocontrol of postharvest mould in maize.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Aaron Daniel Boluwatife, Sotayo Olufemi Peter, Uzeh Roseline Ekiomado, Ayejuyo O. Olusegun
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