Antifungal Activity of Selected Chemical Agents against Phytopathogenic Fungi Spores

Abstract

Postharvest deterioration has been a major problem associated with yam storage for both famers and traders and it is caused mostly by micro-organisms especially fungi. During the storage of yam, many organisms such as Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium citrinum and Rhizopus stolonifer are often reported to cause rotting of the stored yams. The aim of this research is to find out the antifungal effect of some commonly used anti-dermatophytic agents, (Fluconazole, Terbinafine Hcl, Ketoconazole, Sodium propionate and Griseofulvin) on the above named fungi spores. This was carried out using zone of inhibition, MICs, MFCs, FICs and FFCs to measure the antifungal activities of the test antifungal agents against the isolated phytopathogenic fungi spores. These agents were found to have fungitoxic effects on the test organisms in the order of: Terbinafine Hcl > Fluconazole > Ketoconazole > Sodium propionate > Griseofulvin. This work indicated that the test antifungal agents were able to inhibit the fungi spores that are widely reported to be associated with yams rot when stored. The observation in this study showed that a good and efficient fungicide against the test organisms that are known to cause yam rot during storage can be effectively arrested with combination of these fungicides.