Abstract
Essential oils (EOs) are a natural source of active compounds with antifungal, antimycotoxigenic, and herbicidal potential, and have been successfully used in organic agriculture, instead of chemical compounds obtained by synthesis, due to their high bioactivity and the absence of toxicity. The aim of this study was to highlight the importance of Coriandrum sativum essential oil (CEO) as a potential source of bioactive constituents and its applications as an antifungal and bioherbicidal agent. The CEO was obtained by steam distillation of coriander seeds and GC-MS technique was used to determine the chemical composition. Furthermore, in vitro tests were used to determine the antifungal potential of CEO on Fusarium graminearum mycelia growth through poisoned food technique, resulting in the minimum fungistatic (MCFs) and fungicidal concentrations (MCFg). The antifungal and antimycotoxigenic effect of CEO was studied on artificially contaminated wheat seeds with F. graminearum spores. Additionally, the herbicidal potential of CEO was studied by fumigating monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weed seeds, which are problematic in agricultural field crops in Romania. The in vitro studies showed the antifungal potential of CEO, with a minimum concentration for a fungistatic effect of 0.4% and the minimum fungicidal concentration of 0.6%, respectively. An increase in the antifungal effects was observed in the in vivo experiment with F. graminearum, where a mixture of CEO with Satureja hortensis essential oil (SEO) was used. This increase is attributed to the synergistic effect of both EOs. Moreover, the synthesis of deoxynivalenol (DON)-type mycotoxins was found to be less inhibited. Hence, CEO has shown an herbicidal potential on weed seeds by affecting inhibition of germination.
Highlights
Crop contamination with fungal species during the vegetation period and postharvest, under inadequate storage conditions, such as high air humidity and poor or absent ventilation, is a common issue and results in significant economic losses [1]
The association of Coriandrum sativum essential oil (CEO) with Satureja hortensis essential oil (SEO) leads to an enhanced antifungal effect, as shown in the in vivo experiment for F. graminearum
Lesser amounts of DON, determined after 14 days, lead to the conclusion that the chemical compounds of essential oils (EOs) exhibit an antagonistic effect on the synthesis of DON-type mycotoxins
Summary
Crop contamination with fungal species during the vegetation period and postharvest, under inadequate storage conditions, such as high air humidity and poor or absent ventilation, is a common issue and results in significant economic losses [1]. Molecules 2019, 24, 2040 compounds used as protective agents during crop vegetation or storage, with natural, non-toxic, and environmentally-friendly compounds is desirable in organic agriculture. In this regard, essential oils (EOs) of aromatic plants are being explored as alternative herbicides or fungicides in organic agriculture and horticulture. The fact is that they can affect both the integrity and the functionality of the cytoplasmic membrane Their hydrophobic (lipophilic) character appears to be responsible for disturbing microbial lipid structures by increasing the permeability of the cytoplasmic membrane, affecting the functionality of the cell [3]
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