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VOL. 8, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Effect of Crude Extracts of Azadirachta indica (Bark and Leaf) on Soil Microbial Load, Disease Manifestation and Growth Parameters of Arachis hypogaea
Authors
Chimankpa W Worlu, Nyekachi B Wofu, Joy Worukwo-Emma Nneji, Fortune N C Okogbule
Abstract
Groundnut is a vital legume crop susceptible
to various diseases, affecting its yield and quality. Neem extracts have been
explored for their biofungicidal properties. This study examined the impact of
neem leaf, bark and bark+leaf extracts on soil microbial load and disease
manifestation of groundnut. Groundnut soil was treated with neem leaf and bark
extracts at varying volumes (5ml, 10ml & 15ml) weekly for four weeks.
Number of colony forming units (5 CFU/ml, 10 CFU/ml & 15 CFU/ml) was conducted
to determine viable microtoxic fungal cells in the groundnut soil. Growth
parameters (plant height, leaf area, leaf length, leaf width, number of nodes
and number of leaves) were determined. Visual assessment method was adopted for
determination of percentage disease incidence. Mucor sp., Rhizopus sp., Aspergillus
flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium notatum, Fusarium sp.,
Candida sp., Microsporum sp. and Aspergillus fumigatus were the
fungi identified with varying number of colony forming unit based on the dilution
factors. Chlorosis, leaf curling, leaf blight, damping-off and leaf spots were
the visible symptoms at varying percentage disease incidence on the test
groundnut. The combination of bark+leaf extracts exhibited dose-dependent
disease suppression, but bark extract had higher efficacy. Neem leaf and bark
extracts demonstrated antifungal potentials and enhanced growth parameters of
groundnut plant. The bark extract had better performance and can serve as a
sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides and fertilizers.
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Pages:22-29
How to cite this article:
Chimankpa W Worlu, Nyekachi B Wofu, Joy Worukwo-Emma Nneji, Fortune N C Okogbule "Effect of Crude Extracts of <i>Azadirachta indica</i> (Bark and Leaf) on Soil Microbial Load, Disease Manifestation and Growth Parameters of <i>Arachis hypogaea</i>". International Journal of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Vol 8, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 22-29
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