Biological control of Citrus brown spot pathogen, "Alternaria alternata" by different essential oils

• Published in: International journal of environmental health research Vol. 33; no. 8; pp. 823 - 836
• Main Authors: Grati Affes, Taycir, Chenenaoui, Synda, Zemni, Hassen, Hammami, Majdi, Bachkouel, Sarra, Aidi Wannes, Wissem, Nasraoui, Bouzid, Saidani Tounsi, Moufida, Lasram, Salma
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 03.08.2023; Taylor & Francis LLC
• Subjects: Alternaria; Alternaria alternata; antifungal activity; Biological control; Brown spot; Cineole; Dextrose; essential oil; Essential oils; Eucalyptol - pharmacology; Fungicides; laurel (Laurus nobilis); Menthol; Menthol - pharmacology; Menthone; Mycelia; myrtle (Myrtus communis); Oils, Volatile - pharmacology; Peppermint; peppermint (Mentha piperita); Plant diseases; Potatoes; Synergism; Vegetables; α-Pinene; myrtle (Myrtus communis); laurel (Laurus nobilis); Alternaria alternata; essential oil; peppermint (Mentha piperita); antifungal activity
• ISSN: 0960-3123; 1369-1619
• DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2055748

The antifungal effects of laurel, myrtle and peppermint essential oils and their combinations were investigated in vitro on two strains of Alternaria alternata mycelial growth and in vivo on detached Citrus leaf disease incidence. Myrtle essential oil was rich in α-pinene and 1,8-cineole while peppermint essential oil in menthol and menthone. 1,8-Cineole was the main component of the essential oils from laurel, laurel + myrtle and peppermint + laurel. The combined peppermint and myrtle essential oil was characterized by the predominance of menthol and 1,8-cineole. All tested essential oils, incorporated in potato-dextrose agar, inhibited A. alternata mycelial growth and had a fungistatic effect at concentration 3 mg/mL of medium. A great synergism was detected between peppermint and laurel essential oils against the two strains of A. alternata. The combined laurel and peppermint essential oil reduced mycelial growth rates of inoculated detached leaves at concentration above 1.5 mg/mL.