The present study showed that 20% plant extracts of A. albida
and P. juliflora applied at 50 C reduced anthracnose development
and improved shelf life and marketability without any detrimental
effect on the physico-chemical properties of bananas. Evaluation of
integrating plant extracts, hot water treatment, packaging materials
and storage temperatures are justifiable. Also, further studies
are warranted on identifying the bioactive compounds in the plant
extracts that would be useful for laboratory synthesis and production
of natural fungicides.