The efficient activity of plant essential oils for inhibiting Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum: Mechanistic insights into antifungal activity

FINCHEIRA-ROBLES, PAOLA; Jofré, Ignacio; Espinoza, Javier; Levio-Raiman, Marcela; Tortella, Gonzalo R.; Oliveira, Halley Caixeta; DIEZ-JEREZ, MARIA CRISTINA; QUIROZ-CORTEZ, ANDRES EDUARDO; RUBILAR-ARANEDA, OLGA MARGARITA

Abstract

Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum produce deterioration in fruit quality, causing losses to the food industry. Thus, plant essential oils (EOs) have been proposed as a sustainable alternative for minimizing the application of synthetic fungicides due to their broad-spectrum antifungal properties. This study investigated the efficacy of five EOs in suppressing the growth of B. cinerea and P. expansum and their potential antifungal mechanisms. EOs of Mentha × piperita L., Origanum vulgare L., Thymus vulgaris L., Eucalyptus globules Labill., and Lavandula angustifolia Mill., were screened for both fungi. The results showed that the EO of T. vulgaris and O. vulgare were the most efficient in inhibiting the growth of B. cinerea and P. expansum. The concentration increase of all EO tested increased fungi growth inhibition. Exposure of fungi to EOs of T. vulgaris and O. vulgare increased the pH and the release of constituents absorbing 260 nm and soluble proteins, reflecting membrane permeability alterations. Fluorescence microscopic examination revealed that tested EOs produce structural alteration in cell wall component deposition, decreasing the hypha width. Moreover, propidium iodide and Calcein-AM stains evidenced the loss of membrane integrity and reduced cell viability of fungi treated with EOs. Fungi treated with EOs decreased the mitochondria activity and the respiratory process. Therefore, these EOs are effective antifungal agents against B. cinerea and P. expansum, which is attributed to changes in the cell wall structure, the breakdown of the cell membrane, and the alteration of the mitochondrial activity.

Más información

Título según SCOPUS: ID SCOPUS_ID:85171996184 Not found in local SCOPUS DB
Título de la Revista: MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Volumen: 277
Fecha de publicación: 2023
DOI:

10.1016/J.MICRES.2023.127486

Notas: SCOPUS