Antifungal activity of Citharexylum quadrangulare Jacq. extracts against phytopathogenic fungi

Antifungal activity of Citharexylum quadrangulare Jacq., an exotic tree introduced in Tunisia many years ago, was evaluated. Organic extracts using hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol solvents together with aqueous extracts tested at different concentrations were prepared from different organs (roots, stems, leaves and flowers). The fungitoxic activity for all extracts was evaluated against five phypathogenic fungi (Fusarium culmorum, F. graminearum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and A. fumigatus). All parameters were used in a principal components analysis (PCA) and a hierarchical clusters analysis (HCA). This study concludes that some aqueous and organic extracts of C. quadrangulare could be potential sources of natural fungicides to protect crops from fungal diseases.