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

Summary

This research tested six common culinary essential oils to see if they could prevent fungi from growing on bananas after harvest. Scientists identified four types of harmful fungi that cause banana rot and tested how well oregano, rosemary, clove, thyme, cinnamon, and basil oils could stop them. The results showed that cinnamon, clove, and oregano oils were most effective at stopping fungal growth, offering a natural alternative to chemical fungicides that consumers want to avoid.

Background

Banana (Musa paradisiaca) is a staple crop in tropical regions, but postharvest fungal diseases caused by Fusarium, Penicillium, Trichoderma, and Aspergillus species significantly reduce fruit quality and shelf life. Traditional synthetic fungicides are commonly used for control, but growing concerns about toxic residues and environmental impact have prompted research into natural alternatives.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of essential oils from oregano, rosemary, clove, thyme, cinnamon, and basil against fungal pathogens isolated from banana peel rot through in vitro and ex vivo experiments.

Results

Molecular identification confirmed Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium expansum, Trichoderma pseudokoringii, and Aspergillus flavus. Ex vivo analysis ranked infection severity as Penicillium > Trichoderma > Fusarium > Aspergillus. In vitro results showed cinnamon, clove, and oregano oils provided the strongest antifungal effects, achieving complete inhibition at 800 ppm and above, while rosemary and basil showed minimal inhibition.

Conclusion

Cinnamon, clove, and oregano essential oils demonstrated strong antifungal potential against banana pathogens and could serve as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides in postharvest management. These natural oils offer sustainable solutions for controlling fungal diseases while reducing reliance on chemical treatments in agricultural applications.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41304163, PMCID: PMC12654252, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13112477
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