Essential Oils as an Antifungal Alternative to Control Several Species of Fungi Isolated from Musa paradisiaca: Part II

Author: mycolabadmin
10/29/2025
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Summary

Bananas often develop fungal infections during storage that reduce their quality. Researchers tested whether essential oils from common herbs and spices like cinnamon, clove, and oregano could prevent these fungal infections. The study found that cinnamon, clove, and oregano oils effectively stopped fungal growth at higher concentrations, offering a natural alternative to chemical fungicides that could help keep bananas fresh longer without synthetic chemicals.

Background

Banana (Musa paradisiaca) is affected by postharvest fungal diseases caused by Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp., Trichoderma spp., and Aspergillus spp., which reduce fruit quality and cause economic losses. Essential oils from medicinal plants possess documented antifungal properties and offer promising alternatives to synthetic fungicides. This study evaluated the antifungal efficacy of essential oils against fungal pathogens isolated from banana peel rot.

Objective

To evaluate the antifungal potential of essential oils from oregano, rosemary, clove, thyme, cinnamon, and basil against fungal species isolated from banana postharvest rot. The study aimed to identify effective natural alternatives to synthetic fungicides for controlling postharvest diseases in Musa paradisiaca through in vitro and ex vivo analysis.

Results

Four fungal species were identified: Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium expansum, Trichoderma pseudokoningii, and Aspergillus flavus. Ex vivo analysis ranked infection severity as Penicillium spp. > Trichoderma spp. > Fusarium spp. > Aspergillus spp. Cinnamon, clove, and oregano essential oils demonstrated the highest antifungal efficacy, with cinnamon and clove oils achieving complete inhibition at 800-1000 ppm against all tested fungi, while basil and rosemary oils showed minimal to no inhibitory effects.

Conclusion

Cinnamon, clove, and oregano essential oils possess strong antifungal potential against postharvest fungal pathogens in bananas and could serve as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides. The effectiveness of these oils is concentration-dependent, with optimal inhibition achieved at 800 ppm and above. Further research and field trials are recommended to validate the practical application of these essential oils in sustainable banana postharvest management.

Published in:Microorganisms,
Study Type:Experimental In Vitro and Ex Vivo Study,
Source: PMID: 41304163