Efficacy of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. essential oil against Fusarium proliferatum and fumonisin contamination in stored rice samples

Abstract

The present study entails first time investigation on chemical characterisation of Pinus roxburghii essential oil (PEO) with its efficacy assessment against Fusarium proliferatum contamination and fumonisin synthesis in stored rice samples. The GC-MS analysis indicated α-Pinene, terpinolene, and O-cymene as major components of PEO. The PEO displayed complete inhibition of F. proliferatum growth and fumonisin B1, B2 biosynthesis at 1.5, 1.0, and 0.75 µL/mL, respectively. The antifungal activity of PEO was associated with impairment in ergosterol biosynthesis and enhanced leakage of vital cellular cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+), nucleic acids, and proteins which validated plasma membrane as a plausible site of action. Moreover, the PEO showed promising antioxidant activity and in situ efficacy for preservation of rice samples against F. proliferatum infestation, and fumonisin B1, B2 contamination. Further, the high LD50 value in mammalian model strengthens the application of Pinus roxburghii essential oil as green fungitoxicant in agricultural industries.