Effects of <i>Garcinia kola</i> and <i>Azadirachta indica</i> Seeds in the Inhibition of <i>Aspergillus flavus</i> and <i>Aspergillus parasiticus</i> Isolated from <i>Zea mays</i> L. Awka, Nigeria

Abstract

Crude extracts of neem and bitter kola seeds were evaluated for inhibition of the growth of aflatoxin-producing fungi ( Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus ) in Zea mays L. Different concentrations of the methanolic and ethanolic extracts of the test plants were tested individually and in combination against A. flavus and A. parasiticus . Inhibition of A. flavus using methanolic extracts of G. kola , neem and combination of ( G. kola and neem) seeds revealed that inhibition was highest in G. kola (77.5) at 10% concentration, and lowest in neem (35.1) at 2.5% concentration. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference at 5%. Inhibition of A. flavus using ethanolic extracts of G. kola , neem and combination of G. kola and neem seeds revealed that inhibition was highest in the combination of (80.4) at 10% concentration and lowest in G. kola (31.4) at 2.5% concentration. Using methanolic extracts of G. kola , neem and combination against A. parasiticus showed that inhibition was highest in G. kola and combination of seeds (54.8) at 10% concentration and lowest in neem seeds (30.5) at 5.0% concentration. The percentage inhibition of A. parasiticus using ethanolic extracts of G. kola , neem and combination revealed that inhibition was highest in G. kola (79.5) at 10% concentration and lowest in the combination of G. kola and neem seeds (26.6) at 2.5% concentration. These results will be important in planning a management strategy against A. flavus and A. parasiticus and other fungi associated with spoilage of stored products.