Biological control of fungi on seeds and fruits of vegetables using plant extracts

by IUPAC Next Generation Programme 41 Comments

During my undergraduate project I worked on the biological control of seed borne fungi pathogens associated with African yam bean (AYB). African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa Ex. A. Rich Harms) is an under-utilized food legume crop in the tropics that is not as popular as other major food legumes. The biological control of major seed borne fungal pathogens of African yam bean used in order to eliminate or reduce the incidence of harmful effects of certain seed borne fungal plant pathogens uses plant extracts namely; ginger, garlic and mango ginger. These have been compared to a named bio-fungicide. Of all the treatments suing garlic exhibited the highest inhibitory effect in controlling the fungal pathogens  at (100g of the garlic /100ml of  sterilized distilled water)  invivo and invitro.

Using plant extract to control plant pathogens would reduce the amount of money spent on chemicals and increase the palatability of the vegetables, reduce death of plants from pathogens and consumer poisoning  through  food contamination caused by the use of chemicals which are detrimental to human health.

I would love to use Neem leaf tree, garlic and ginger in the control of fungi in/on the seeds and fruits of edible vegetables using both ethanol and water extracts at (1:1w/v, 1:2w/v, 1:3w/v, 1;4w/v,1;5w/v)  for both  extracts  following Koch postulate of disease formation.

Inhibition of Aspergillus niger Garlic 10% after 14 days

The experiment would be carried out in an aseptic environment, using sodium hypochlorite to surface sterilize the vegetables and using potato dextrose agar to isolate only the fungi present in/on the vegetables after a day of storage and 10 days of storage (rotten).

The biological control would be carried out invitro on 7 day old pure culture fungus, using 5mm cork borer, The inhibition of the effectiveness of the extract would be measured using a measuring tape from the 7th to the 14th day of  invitro control of the organism. The one with the highest inhibition would then be the most preferred.

The beneficiaries of this innovation would be farmers, the general public and producer of products using vegetables as raw material. According to my undergraduate project, 75% success was attained using garlic and ginger, so using the same extract in a well structured and aseptic environment for the extraction should result in 100% success.

The innovation would be a life changing success to the general public by:

  • generating employment for the extraction process,
  • increasing knowledge for the beneficiaries,
  • safety of food and lives, and
  • increased food security just to mention but a few.

My motivation is to expand my knowledge in my field of study with different areas of professional specialization, to improve my relative standing in a competitive field, and also challenge the job market.

Christiana Adeola Adesina, Nigeria

41 comments

  2. Using plants extract for biocontrol is really a sustainable development that would control pollution in our community. Nice one sis.

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  4. This is fantastic, botanicals (plant extract) has been found to posses low mammalian toxicity which poses less risk to human health on like inorganic pesticides .

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  6. Using biological control of fungi on seeds and friuts of vegetables using plant extracts is still the best method to use for the control of fungi rather than chemical, this will save life and money and even help in the job market because it will create employment opportunities
    Mail deal about it is:
    # LIFE
    #FOOD
    #SECURITY
    #MONEY
    Nice one dear

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  8. What a wonderful work from this young genius. The work needs to be supported and encouraged.

    Keep it up genius

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  10. Great research finding! The use of plant extract as biological control for fungi infection is economical and safer compared to previously used methods. I do hope that this research will spread and also practised in commercial quantity.

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  11. Great proposal. We need to start looking into biocontrol which is eco-friendly, cost effective, long term and sustainable as an alternative to chemical control. Kudos sis.

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  14. This is a good step in the right direction against the widespread use of pesticides which has led to great harmful effects on the ecosystem and the environment.
    This will not only boost profitability of the farmers but it will also ensure availability of safe farm products and a cleaner environment devoid of toxic chemicals which cannot be metabolized or excreted but passed from one trophic level to another thereby upsetting the balance of the ecosystem.

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  21. This brilliant research will bring the agricultural sector to the next level of biologically controlling there fruits and seeds from fungi.

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  24. Working on bio control of fungi during my undergraduate internship makes me understand the positive effects it can have on farmers producing a plant free of fungi. Welldone Christiana

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  30. I salute your academic vibrance that is working effectively. Sequel to this thesis, I see it as a proponent which can serve as
    a great deal of advantage to humanity if sponsored or supported in several ways.

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  36. The fact that this is a project that in addition to all the benefits listed, promotes greener ecosystem, is spot on. Great work!

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