Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXVIV, Issue 2
Written by Ionuț-Daniel MARIN, Elena Ștefania IVAN, Monica-Luminița BADEA
The in vitro antifungal activity of essential oils extracted from Rosmarinus officinalis L. was evaluated against Fusarium graminearum, a pathogen isolated from infected maize (Zea mays) plants. Three essential oil samples were tested: one obtained by laboratory distillation and two commercial products. Antifungal activity was assessed using two methods: incorporation of the oils into the culture medium to quantify mycelial growth inhibition, and application of filter paper discs on PDA medium to observe localized fungal inhibition. All three essential oils exhibited inhibitory effects on the growth of Fusarium graminearum, with the laboratory-extracted oil showing the highest efficacy. The incorporation method provided quantitative data on mycelial growth reduction, while the disc method served as a qualitative complementary approach. These results highlight the potential of R. officinalis essential oil, particularly when freshly extracted, as a natural antifungal agent against Fusarium graminearum affecting maize crops.
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