IDENTIFICATION, CLASSIFICATION, PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND TREATMENTS OF FUNGI DIEASES OF SWEET POTATO (Ipomoea batatas) USING ETHANOLIC EXTRACTIONS OF BITTER LEAF (Vernonia amygdalina) AND SCENT LEAF (Occimum gratissimum)

The extracts of Occimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina leaves were tested for their control (effects) on the growth of three fungal pathogens isolated from diseased Ipomoea batatas tubers obtained form Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State. These fungal pathogens were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigates and Rhizopus stolomifer as confirmed by pathogenicity tests. The plant extracts were found to inhibit the growth of all confirmed pathogens. The extractions were effective. But the extracts of Vernonia amygdalina was more effective on the growth than the extracts of Occimum gratissimum. More research works are recommended on both extracts because they are safer to use than synthetic fungicides are also very eco-friendly.