EVALUATE THE ANTIFUNGAL PROPERTIES OF AND ETHANOL EXTRACTS OF NEEM AGAINST SELECTED FUNGAL PATHOGENS AFFECTING TOMATOES.

## Abstract Tomato (*Solanum lycopersicum* L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops cultivated worldwide; however, its production and post-harvest quality are severely affected by fungal pathogens, leading to significant economic losses. The increasing concerns associated with the excessive use of synthetic fungicides, including environmental pollution, health risks, and the development of resistant fungal strains, have necessitated the search for safer and more sustainable alternatives. This study evaluated the antifungal activity of ethanolic leaf extract of neem (*Azadirachta indica*) against *Aspergillus niger*, a common fungal pathogen associated with tomato spoilage. Fresh neem leaves were collected, identified, dried, pulverized, and extracted using ethanol. Phytochemical screening was conducted to determine the bioactive constituents present in the extract, while antifungal activity was assessed using different extract concentrations (100%, 50%, and 25%). The results revealed the presence of several important phytochemicals, including flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, saponins, steroids, quinones, proteins, and cardiac glycosides. Antifungal evaluation demonstrated that the ethanolic neem extract exhibited concentration-dependent inhibitory activity against *Aspergillus niger*. The highest inhibition was observed at 100% concentration with a zone of inhibition of 20 mm, while lower inhibitory effects were recorded at 50% and 25% concentrations with inhibition zones of 11 mm and 7 mm, respectively. The findings indicate that neem leaf extract possesses significant antifungal properties attributable to its rich phytochemical composition. The study concludes that ethanolic neem leaf extract is an effective, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative to synthetic fungicides for the management of fungal pathogens affecting tomatoes. Its adoption could contribute to sustainable agricultural production and improved post-harvest disease management. **Keywords:** *Azadirachta indica*, neem extract, antifungal activity, *Aspergillus niger*, tomato, phytochemicals, sustainable agriculture.