EFFECTS OF MORINGA OLEIFERA INTERCROPPING AND ITS ROOT EXTRACT ON YIELDS AND AFLATOXIN CONTENTS OF GROUNDNUT (ARACHIS HYPOGAEA L.) SEEDS UNDER ASPERGILLUS FLAVUS INFECTION

Abstract

Aflatoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus pose serious health risks and commonly contaminate groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), creating the need for sustainable control methods. This study evaluated the effects of Moringa oleifera root pulp extract and intercropping on aflatoxin contamination and yield of groundnut varieties artificially infected with toxigenic A. flavus. The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design with cement sacks containing sterilized loamy soil and organic manure (3:1). Treatments included A. flavus infection alone, Moringa root extract application, and Moringa intercropping. Aflatoxin levels were quantified using ELISA, and yield parameters (pods and seeds per plant) were statistically analyzed. Results showed significant varietal differences in yield, with treatment–variety interactions significantly influencing pod production (p ≤ 0.05). Aflatoxin levels ranged from 0.022 to 0.060 ppb, with most varieties showing moderate contamination (0.023–0.025 ppb). The highest aflatoxin level was observed in AFMRE C (0.060 ± 0.003 ppb), while the lowest occurred in AFMS E (0.022 ± 0.005 ppb). Moringa intercropping generally reduced fungal colonization and aflatoxin accumulation more effectively than root extract application. The effectiveness of Moringa-based treatments depends largely on groundnut varietal traits, with genetic resistance being a key factor. Integrating resistant varieties with Moringa intercropping is recommended as an eco-friendly strategy for managing A. flavus infection and aflatoxin contamination in groundnut, and further field-based research is advised.