Unleashing the impact of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. Leaf Extract against charcoal rot of Zea mays L.

Maize cultivation is crucial for global food security and economic stability. However, it faces challenges from fungal diseases such as those caused by Sporocadaceae fungi. In this study, we investigated the antifungal properties of extracts from three plant species; Moringa oleifera Lam., Ziziphus mauritiana Lam., and Aloe vera is (L.) Burm.f. Webb. against Macrophomina phaseolina. The extracts were prepared by mixing 20 g of each plant material with 200 ml of distilled water, heated at 60 °C for 15 min, and then diluted to concentrations of 2 %, 4 %, 6 %, 8 %, and 10 %. Antifungal activity was evaluated by measuring mycelial growth inhibition after seven days of incubation at 30 ± 2 °C. Z. mauritiana leaf extract exhibited the highest inhibition rate of up to 95 % compared to other extracts. A pot experiment with eight treatments was conducted, including negative and positive controls, Z. mauritiana leaf extract alone (6 %, 8 %, and 10 %), and Z. mauritiana leaf extract combined with the fungal pathogen. Morphological changes in maize plants were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after 45 days of seed germination, along with growth parameters, physiological traits, and biochemical activities. The positive control showed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in maize growth of 70 % to 90 % compared to the negative control. However, soil amendment with 6 % to 8 % Z. mauritiana leaf extract led to significant improvements in plant growth over positive control. Physiological content increased, while biochemical traits decreased with the application of Z. mauritiana leaf extract compared to the positive control. This suggests that Z. mauritiana leaf extract could effectively manage the rot of the maize charcoal. Future field experiments are needed to comprehensively explore the mode of action of the extract in controlling the fungal pathogen.