Inhibition of the aqueous extracts from pumpkin peel against four postharvect fungi in vitro

The aqueous extracts of pumpkin peel were prepared by method of constant temperature commotion.The fungistasis effects of extracts were tested with four postharvest fungi in vitro.The results showed that the extracts inhibited growth of the pathogenic fungi.However,the effect depended on species of the pathogen.Alternaria alternate was significantly inhibited.The spore germination rate and the mycelial growth diameter were 42 % and 54 % of the control after 5 h or 7 d of incubation.The extracts showed moderate to Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium expansum.A weak effect was found to Trichothecium roseum.This result suggested that the aqueous extracts of pumpkin peel contained antifungal compounds.