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In vitro antifungal activity of plant extracts against fungal pathogens of onion (Allium cepa L.) and red pepper (Capsicum annum L.) in selected districts of Western Hararghe, Ethiopia

Summary

Onion and pepper farmers in Ethiopia lose significant crops to fungal diseases, and chemical fungicides are expensive and harmful. This study tested plant extracts from garlic, neem, and African wintersweet against disease-causing fungi. Acokanthera schimperi (African wintersweet) was most effective at stopping fungal growth, offering farmers an affordable, natural, and environmentally safe alternative to chemical fungicides.

Background

Onion and pepper are economically important vegetable crops in Ethiopia, but their production is severely constrained by fungal pathogens causing significant crop losses. Chemical fungicides pose environmental and health risks, driving interest in plant-based alternatives for sustainable disease management.

Objective

This study aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize major fungal pathogens affecting onion and red pepper in Western Hararghe, Ethiopia, and to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of three medicinal plant extracts and essential oils against these pathogens.

Results

Six major fungal pathogens were identified: Peronospora destructor, Rhizoctonia solani, and Fusarium oxysporum from onions; Erysiphe species, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Aspergillus niger from pepper. Acokanthera schimperi showed the strongest antifungal activity with inhibition zones up to 9.00 mm, followed by Azadirachta indica and Allium sativum. Essential oils consistently demonstrated higher antifungal potency than crude extracts across all tested pathogens.

Conclusion

Plant extracts and essential oils, particularly from Acokanthera schimperi, show significant potential as environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides for managing fungal diseases in vegetable crops. Further studies on formulation, application methods, and field efficacy are recommended to promote practical use in sustainable agriculture.
  • Published in:BMC Plant Biology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1186/s12870-025-07477-8, PMID: 41162860
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