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Essential Oil of Xylopia frutescens Controls Rice Sheath Blight Without Harming the Beneficial Biocontrol Agent Trichoderma asperellum

Summary

Researchers discovered that oil extracted from leaves of a Brazilian plant called Xylopia frutescens effectively kills the fungus that causes rice sheath blight, a serious disease that can destroy rice crops. The oil contains two main compounds that work against the fungus and can be applied before or after infection to prevent or treat the disease. Importantly, the oil doesn’t harm beneficial fungi like Trichoderma asperellum that farmers use as natural pest control, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides.

Background

Rice sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani is a major fungal disease that can cause up to 50% yield loss in susceptible rice cultivars. Synthetic fungicides have been widely used but their continuous application has led to resistance development and negative effects on beneficial biocontrol agents. Natural essential oils represent a promising sustainable alternative for disease management.

Objective

To evaluate the chemical composition of Xylopia frutescens essential oil, assess its antifungal activity against R. solani through in silico analysis and in vitro/greenhouse testing, and determine its selectivity toward the beneficial biocontrol agent Trichoderma asperellum.

Results

Trans-pinocarveol (11.49%) and myrtenal (9.99%) were identified as the major compounds in X. frutescens essential oil. Both compounds demonstrated favorable binding interactions with R. solani lectin. In vitro testing showed inhibition of sclerotia germination starting at 7.5 mg/mL and complete inhibition at higher concentrations. Greenhouse trials demonstrated effective disease control with low phytotoxicity at concentrations ≥35 mg/mL when applied both preventively and curatively, while T. asperellum remained unaffected.

Conclusion

Xylopia frutescens essential oil effectively controls rice sheath blight caused by R. solani while maintaining compatibility with the beneficial biocontrol agent T. asperellum. The essential oil represents a promising botanical fungicide for sustainable integrated disease management of rice, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides.
  • Published in:Plants (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental study,
  • Source: PMID: 41514977, DOI: 10.3390/plants15010031
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