Vol. 6 No. 1 (2023): The Reality of Women in Science

• Yakumbur Donald Terseer
  Centre for Food Technology and Research, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, Nigeria
  




• Otanwa Helen Ene
  Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Health Science, Otukpo, Nigeria
  




• Shiriki Dooshima
  Department of Biological Sciences, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, Nigeria
  




• Tyohemba Raymond Lubem
  Department of Chemistry, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, Nigeria
  Centre for Food Technology and Research, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, Nigeria
  




• Obochi Godwin Oche
  Centre for Food Technology and Research, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, Nigeria
  Department of Biochemistry, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, Nigeria
  




• Ubwa Simon Terver
  Department of Chemistry, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, Nigeria
  Centre for Food Technology and Research, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, Nigeria
  

Postharvest microbial spoilage is a major constraint to the storage stability of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), leading to significant economic losses, especially in tropical agricultural systems. Increasing concerns about food safety, environmental persistence, and resistance associated with synthetic preservatives have intensified the search for plant-derived antimicrobial alternatives. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Capsicum annuum fruit extract against microorganisms associated with sweet potato rot. Ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of C. annuum fruits were prepared by cold maceration and subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis. Rot-associated microorganisms were isolated from infected tubers and identified using morphological and biochemical methods, while antimicrobial activity was assessed using disc diffusion assays. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, saponins, phytosterols, and cardiac glycosides, with higher concentrations of most compounds in the methanolic extract, particularly flavonoids, while eleven microorganisms were identified., Pathogenicity tests confirmed B. theobromae as the most aggressive rot pathogen. The extracts exhibited inhibitory activity against ten of the eleven isolates, with pronounced antifungal effects against R. arrhizus, A. niger, and B. theobromae, whereas A. flavus showed resistance. These results demonstrate that C. annuum possesses significant broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential to support its application as a natural bio-preservative for postharvest disease management in sweet potato storage systems.

Keywords: Capsicum annuum; Sweet Potato Rot; Post-Harvest Pathogens; Phytochemical Composition; Natural Antimicrobial Agents