Abstract

Water extracts of three spices (Allium sativum, Afromumum melegueta andZingiber officinale) were tested for antifungal activities against three rot fungi (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium notatum ) using mycelial growth extension method. The extracts showed varying degrees of antifungal activities against the test fungi. P. notatum was observed as the most susceptible fungus while A. niger was the least susceptible. There was no significant difference (P=0.05) in the antifungal activities of the three spices against the test fungi. The effectiveness of the spices extracts increased with increase in extract concentrations. The result of this study indicated that the three spices can be used as alternatives to chemical preservatives of agricultural products against fungal rots caused by the three fungi in storage.

Keywords: Antifungal properties, Allium sativum, Afromomum melegueta Zingiber officinale, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium notatum.