Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Activities of Plant Extract (Morinda Lucida) on Phytopathogenic Fungal Isolates

Morinda lucida, known as the Brimstone tree in Nigeria, is valued for its medicinal and agricultural uses in West Africa. This study investigates the antifungal properties of methanolic extracts from Morinda lucida against common fungal pathogens. Fresh leaves were collected from Ogbomosho, Oyo state, Nigeria, authenticated, and processed into powder. Methanolic extraction yielded a crude extract, which underwent phytochemical screening, revealing various bioactive compounds. The antifungal activity was evaluated against fungi like Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus oryzae, showing significant inhibitory effects comparable to Nystatin. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for each strain, highlighting broad-spectrum efficacy, particularly against Trichoderma harzianum. A pathogenicity test on oranges confirmed the extract’s ability to inhibit fungal growth. This study contributes to research on natural antifungal agents, supporting Morinda lucida’s traditional use in agriculture and healthcare. The extract shows promise for further development, pending studies on its mechanism, safety, and applications.