MANAGEMENT OF POST-HARVEST FUNGI IN PAPAYA BY PLANT EXTRACTS AND ESSENTIAL OILS
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Abstract
Post-harvest fungal infections represent a major challenge to the storage and marketability of papaya (Carica papaya L.), often causing significant economic losses. This study evaluated the antifungal efficacy of selected aqueous leaf extracts and essential oils against major post-harvest fungal pathogens of papaya using the poisoned food technique. Infected fruits were collected from local markets in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Dharashiv, and fungal isolates were identified based on morphological characteristics. A total of thirteen fungal species, including Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium equiseti, Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium digitatum, Penicillium islandicum, and Rhizopus stolonifer, were tested against seven plant extracts and six essential oils. Among the aqueous extracts, Annona squamosa showed the highest inhibition, particularly against Fusarium oxysporum (83.9 %), while Vitex negundo exhibited strong activity against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (94.7 %). In contrast, Azadirachta indica and Piper betel extracts demonstrated relatively low efficacy. Essential oils exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity, with Ricinus communis (castor oil) being the most effective, showing over 80% inhibition against several fungi. Oils of Brassica juncea, Ocimum sanctum, and Syzygium aromaticum also showed promising results, while Eucalyptus globulus and Azadirachta indica oils were less effective. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences among treatments (p < 0.05). The results supported the potential of Annona squamosa extract and castor oil as eco-friendly, cost-effective alternatives to synthetic fungicides for managing post-harvest papaya diseases.
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