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Chemical profile and bioactivity of essential oils from five Turkish thyme species against white mold fungal disease agent Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Summary

Researchers studied five types of Turkish thyme plants to see if their essential oils could fight a harmful fungus called Sclerotinia sclerotiorum that damages crops like cucumbers and sunflowers. They found that thyme oils, especially those rich in carvacrol and thymol, were very effective at stopping fungal growth. These natural plant oils could be used as safer alternatives to chemical fungicides in farming, reducing environmental damage while controlling plant diseases.

Background

The Lamiaceae family is well-represented in Turkey and contains numerous species rich in essential oils with antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a soil-borne fungal pathogen affecting over 450 plant species, and developing fungicide resistance has created a need for environmentally friendly alternatives.

Objective

This study investigated the phytochemical profile, antioxidant properties, and antifungal activity of essential oils from five Turkish thyme species (Origanum saccatum, Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum, Satureja cilicica, Thymbra spicata, and Thymus sipyleus) against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

Results

GC-MS analysis revealed that phenolic monoterpenes, particularly carvacrol and thymol, were the predominant constituents. T. spicata L. var. spicata showed the highest antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 10.698 mg L-1) and complete fungal growth inhibition at 1.0 µL/Petri dish, with EC50 values ranging from 0.14 to 1.90 µL/Petri dish across species.

Conclusion

The results emphasize the potential of thyme-derived essential oils, especially those rich in carvacrol, as environmentally friendly natural substitutes for chemical fungicides in controlling plant fungal infections. The study provides new insights into biocontrol strategies for managing soilborne fungal pathogens in sustainable agriculture.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:In vitro Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41083786, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-19622-2
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