• Gbira, T.
  Department of Biological Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi
  




• Kortse, P.A.
  Department of Plant Breeding & Seed Science, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi
  




• Liamngee, K.
  Department of Biological Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi
  




• Fayinminu, A.O.
   
  




• Agbatar, B.
   
  




• Kehen, G.M.
  National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (BIODEC MAKURDI)
  




• Muhammad, A.
  National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (BIODEC MAKURDI)
  




• Mbateng, L.W.
   
  




• Uzege, S.T.
  Department of Horticulture and Landscape Technology, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, Afikpo, Ebonyi State.
  




• Iveren, I.
   
  

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a vital fruit crop that contributes rnsignificantly to food security and income generation worldwide. rnHowever, it is highly susceptible to fungal infections during postharvest rnstorage, resulting in spoilage and losses. This study assessed the in vitro rneffectiveness of aqueous turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) powder extract in rncontrolling fungal pathogens responsible for postharvest decay of rnmango fruits. Mango fruits were sourced from farms in Gboko and rnUshongo Local Government Areas of Benue State, Nigeria. After rnharvesting, fruits were washed, air-dried, and stored for 15 days. Those rnshowing decay symptoms were collected and taken to the Botany rnLaboratory at Benue State University for fungal isolation. Decayed rnportions were sterilized and cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), rnand pure cultures of isolated fungi were used for pathogenicity tests on rnhealthy mangoes. Three concentrations of turmeric extract (0%, 10%, rnand 25% w/v) were tested in vitro against Mucor sp., Alternaria sp., and rnColletotrichum sp. The fungi were cultured on PDA mixed with the rndifferent extract concentrations and incubated for seven days. Results rnshowed that Colletotrichum sp. caused the most rot (10.46 cm²), rnfollowed by Alternaria sp. (9.60 cm²) and Mucor sp. (8.33 cm²), with no rndecay in uninoculated controls. Fungal radial growth was significantly rninhibited by turmeric extract, with the greatest suppression observed at rn25% concentration. For instance, Mucor sp. showed reduced growth rnfrom 4.07 cm (0% extract) to 1.15 cm (25% extract) by day 7. Similar rninhibitory trends were recorded for the other fungi. Phytochemical rnanalysis of the turmeric extract confirmed the presence of active rncompounds including saponins, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, rnfrn lavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, and hydrogen cyanide. The study rnconcludes that turmeric extract is a promising, natural alternative to rnchemical fungicides and recommends its formulation for broader rnagricultural use.