Oregano essential oil can effectively prevent blue mold rot in pears without compromising fruit quality. The oil works by damaging the fungal cell membrane, causing it to leak and die. Additionally, the treatment helps pears stay fresher longer by reducing water loss and maintaining firmness, while naturally boosting the fruit’s own defense systems against damage.
Researchers tested four common essential oils (thyme, oregano, marjoram, and tea tree) to see if they could stop a dangerous fungal disease in spinach plants. They found that thyme and oregano oils worked best at killing the fungus in laboratory tests and when applied to spinach seeds in the greenhouse, with thyme oil reducing disease by over half without harming the plants.
Researchers tested tiny copper oxide particles created using plant extracts against a fungus that causes ringworm in dogs and cats. These nanoparticles successfully killed the fungus in laboratory tests, with effectiveness at concentrations ranging from 500-2,000 parts per million. While slightly less effective than current medications, the nanoparticles showed promise as an alternative treatment, especially important as the fungus becomes resistant to traditional drugs.