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Terpinen-4-ol triggers autophagy activation and metacaspase-dependent apoptosis against Botrytis cinerea

Summary

Terpinen-4-ol, a natural compound from tea tree oil, effectively kills gray mold fungus that spoils fruits and vegetables after harvest. The compound works by damaging fungal cell membranes, creating harmful reactive molecules inside fungal cells, and triggering the fungal cells’ self-destruction pathways. When tested on tomatoes and strawberries, terpinen-4-ol successfully reduced mold growth and disease spread, suggesting it could be a safe, eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting fresh produce.

Background

Botrytis cinerea causes gray mold disease, a major postharvest threat to fruits and vegetables. Plant-derived essential oils have emerged as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides. Terpinen-4-ol, the primary component of tea tree oil, has demonstrated antifungal properties against various fungal species.

Objective

This study systematically investigated the antifungal efficacy and molecular mechanisms of terpinen-4-ol against B. cinerea. The research aimed to elucidate how terpinen-4-ol inhibits fungal growth and pathogenicity through examination of cellular and molecular pathways.

Results

Terpinen-4-ol exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity with 86% inhibition of B. cinerea at 0.4 μl/ml. The compound disrupted plasma membrane integrity, induced ROS accumulation, and triggered both ER-phagy and non-selective autophagy. Metacaspase BcMca1 was essential for apoptosis induction, as ΔBcMca1 and ΔBcMca1Mca2 mutants showed reduced sensitivity to terpinen-4-ol treatment.

Conclusion

Terpinen-4-ol controls B. cinerea through multiple mechanisms: membrane disruption, ROS accumulation, autophagy induction, and metacaspase-dependent apoptosis. These findings establish terpinen-4-ol as a promising natural antifungal agent for postharvest preservation of fruits and vegetables with significant potential for agricultural applications.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40950586, DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1600831
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