Impact of Various Essential Oils on the Development of Pathogens of the Fusarium Genus and on Health and Germination Parameters of Winter Wheat and Maize

Author: mycolabadmin
5/18/2024
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Summary

Researchers tested whether essential oils from common herbs like thyme, sage, and cumin could protect wheat and corn seeds from fungal diseases. Thyme oil worked best at killing the harmful fungi, but it also slowed down seed sprouting. The study suggests these natural oils could replace chemical fungicides in farming, though farmers need to carefully choose which oil and how much to use.

Background

Maize and wheat are critical global crops affected by Fusarium pathogens that cause seedling blight and mycotoxin contamination. Seed treatments are important for protecting plants against diseases, but synthetic pesticides raise environmental and safety concerns. Essential oils are natural substances produced by plants with antifungal properties that could serve as alternative fungicides.

Objective

This study assessed the composition of essential oils from sage, cypress, cumin, and thyme, evaluated their impact on Fusarium pathogen development, and tested their effectiveness as pre-sowing seed treatments for winter wheat and maize.

Results

Thyme essential oil showed the strongest inhibition of Fusarium pathogen development and seedling infection, comparable to synthetic prothioconazole fungicide. However, thyme oil reduced germination rates and seedling development in wheat and higher-dose corn treatments. Other oils showed varying effectiveness, with cypress being least effective at limiting fungal growth.

Conclusion

Essential oils, particularly thyme, are promising natural alternatives to synthetic fungicides for controlling Fusarium seedling blight, but appropriate oil selection and dosage are critical to balance fungicidal efficacy with plant safety and germination capacity.

Published in:Molecules,
Study Type:Experimental Laboratory Study,
Source: 10.3390/molecules29102376; PMID: 38792237