Organ-specific chemical defence patterns in Parmentiera aculeata and their differential inhibitory effects against Penicillium oxalicum

Fungal pathogens represent a major constraint for agricultural productivity, and plant secondary metabolites play an important role in natural defence mechanisms. The present study investigated organ-specific antifungal activity and qualitative phytochemical profiles of methanolic extracts obtained from roots, leaves, and fruits of Parmentiera aculeata against the phytopathogenic fungus Penicillium oxalicum. Plant materials were dried, macerated in methanol, and subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening. Antifungal activity was evaluated through spore germination inhibition assays at different extract concentrations, and data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Qualitative analyses revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and phenolic compounds in all organs, with variation among tissues. Significant differences in antifungal activity were observed among plant organs and concentrations. Root extracts exhibited the highest inhibition of spore germination (76.95 % at 50 mg mL-¹), followed by fruit extracts (61.55 %) and leaf extracts (23 %). Statistical analysis confirmed a significant effect of extract type and concentration on fungal inhibition (F = 6.008, p < 0.05). These results indicated differential allocation of bioactive secondary metabolites among plant organs and are consistent with organ-specific chemical defence patterns in P. aculeata.