Antifungal study of garlic (Allium sativum) extract on the Fusarium spp. isolated from muskmelon fruit rot

Abstract

Muskmelon is the common name for botanical varieties of Cucumis melo L. The botanical group includes cantaloupe, honeydew, and casaba. Muskmelon fruit rot has been detected in almost plantation area and Fusarium species had been identified involved in one of the most important postharvest diseases of muskmelon. This study was employed to determine the effect garlic extraction on causal organisms and the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of Fusarium Solani and Fusarium Oxysporum. Three types of in-vitro techniques were tested (Paper disc diffusion, well-agar technique and spore suspension techniques). Results showed that 5mg/ml of garlic extract was proven can inhibit both of the fungi. The MIC of F Solani and F oxysporum were 4.75 mg/ml and 4.5 mg/ml respectively. As conclusion, garlic has a potential as natural product to inhibit the Fusarium species isolated from muskmelon with fruit rot disease.