Odeh Ichiko Chic

Title : Evaluation of bioactive constituents of wild Doscorea dumetorum against plant pathogens

Abstract:

The phytochemical screening and evaluation of efficacy of ethanolic extract of wild Dioscorea dumetorum was determined using standard microbiological and physiochemical methods against some plant pathogens. The extraction of bioactive constituents of the samples was conducted using 80% aqueous ethanolic solution. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of Alkaloids 8.6%, Saponins 10.8%, Tannins 3.7%, flavonoids 2.5%, steroids 1.7%. The antifungal potentials of the crude extract was tested against fungi isolates of Rhizopus nodosus, Fusarium solani, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus stolonifer, Synchytrium endobiotium, phytophthora infestans, Spongospora subterranea, Venturia inaequalis, Magnaporthe oryzae, Ustilago maydis, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium moniliforme, Sclerotium rolfsii, Penicillium digitatum, Pencillium italium. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged between 10-35 mg/ml. The antifungal activity against ustilago maydis was the highest with zone of inhibition of 35.4mm, Spongospora substerranea 30.5mm, Synchyfrium endobiotium 28.2mm, Rhizopus nodosus 25.1mm, Rhizopus stolonifer 24.3mm, Aspergillus flavus 24.0mm, Fusorium solani 23.5mm, Sclerotium rolfsii 18.6mm, Fusarium oxysporum 16.8mm, Penicillium digitatum 14.3mm, Pencillium italium 13.7mm, Venturia inaequalis 11.2mm, phytophthora infestans 10.3mm. These results show antifungal action and medicinal potentials of aqueous ethanolic crude extract of Dioscorea dumetorum. This research is at the preliminary stage and it is ongoing. It may proceed to the isolation and characterization of the most bioactive component(s) of this wild yam. This research is therefore open to agricultural research plant pathologist, pharmacologist, food and nutrition, food safety, security and quality control, food and chemical toxicology and food and drug analysis. This research aim at strategies of controlling post harvest losses caused by fungi during storage. The research is educative because this wild yam is grown in most region of the world. The research is a practical solution to the problem of fungi infestation in wide range of crops. The local people of Igede tribe of Nigeria has used the aqueous extract of this wild yam species for years to control post harvest losses without understanding the scientific implications.

Biography:

Mrs Odeh, Ichiko-Chic was born on 10th November, 1966 to the family of David and Abigail Igwue Otor of Ibila, Oju L.G.A, Benue State. She obtained First leaving certificate in 1979 from Methodist Primary School, Ibila center, GCE,1984 from Wesley High School, Otukpo, NCE, 1989 from ATC/ABU, Kano, B.Sc Ed (Chemistry),1997 and M.Sc Organic Chemistry,2015 from University of Agriculture, Makurdi. She is a senior lecturer in Chemistry Department, College of Education, Oju and currently a PhD student of Organic /Natural product Chemistry, Benue State University( Center for Food Technology and Research), Makurdi. She has attended various conferences, seminars and workshops in Nigeria, Ghana and Israel and has published many scholarly articles nationally and internationally both in chemistry and education. Mrs. Odeh I.C is a member of Chemical Society of Nigeria, National Association of Vocational and Technical Educators, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, National Association of Women in Colleges of Education and World Educators Forum. She has published two books on general knowledge. Her wealth of experience in the teaching of chemistry over the years has culminated in this research as a student of organic and natural product chemistry. She is married to Mr. Dave Odeh and are blessed with children.