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Chilean Aloysia Essential Oils: A Medicinal Plant Resource for Postharvest Disease Control

Summary

Researchers tested essential oils from two Chilean herbs, Aloysia citriodora and Aloysia polystachya, against fungi that cause fruit rot after harvest. They found that oil from Aloysia citriodora, especially a compound called farnesol, effectively killed the disease-causing fungi in laboratory tests. These natural oils could replace synthetic fungicides that are becoming less effective and harmful to the environment, offering farmers a safer way to protect their fruit during storage and transport.

Background

Postharvest fungal rot causes significant economic losses in agriculture. Current synthetic fungicide controls are becoming ineffective and pose environmental risks. Essential oils from medicinal plants offer sustainable alternatives for disease control.

Objective

This research examined the chemical composition and antifungal efficacy of essential oils from Aloysia citriodora and Aloysia polystachya against postharvest rot fungi Monilinia fructicola, Monilinia laxa, and Botrytis cinerea. The study aimed to identify potential compounds for biopesticide development.

Results

A. citriodora oil was characterized by spathulenol (38.84%) and caryophyllene oxide (17.80%), while A. polystachya was dominated by carvone (88.41%). A. citriodora oil and farnesol showed strong inhibition against M. fructicola (EC50 61.89 and 72.18 μg/mL respectively) and M. laxa. Molecular docking showed farnesol has affinity for succinate dehydrogenase with binding energy of -7.5 kcal/mol.

Conclusion

The essential oil of A. citriodora and the compound farnesol demonstrate strong antifungal potential against postharvest rot pathogens. Farnesol shows promise as a structural scaffold for new fungicide development or as an agricultural adjuvant. Further studies are needed to develop stable formulations for practical application.
  • Published in:Plants (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental/Laboratory Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41157680, DOI: 10.3390/plants14203121
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