Can H. platytaenium Essential Oil Be Used as a Biopesticide Against White Mold Disease?

Abstract

This study evaluates the in vitro antifungal potential of Heracleum platytaenium essential oil against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a widespread phytopathogenic fungus that causes significant economic losses in agricultural production. Although chemical fungicides are commonly used for its control, concerns regarding environmental impact and human health have increased interest in plant-based antifungal agents as sustainable alternatives.

In this study, commercially obtained H. platytaenium essential oil was tested at three different concentrations (5 µL, 10 µL, and 20 µL) to assess its inhibitory effects on fungal mycelial growth. The experiments were conducted with negative control (fungus growing without treatment) and positive control (nistatin application). The results demonstrated that higher concentrations of the essential oil significantly suppressed fungal growth. Particularly, at 20 µL concentration, both extraction years exhibited strong antifungal activity, with inhibition rates ranging from 97.7% to 100%. Additionally, at lower doses (5 µL), the 2021 extract showed higher antifungal efficacy compared to the 2022 extract.

These findings highlight the potential of H. platytaenium essential oil as a natural antifungal agent for plant disease management. The differences in antifungal activity observed between extraction years suggest that factors such as plant growth conditions, harvest time, and extraction methods may influence the oil’s efficacy. Further studies are needed to explore its chemical composition, antifungal mechanisms, and potential applications in agricultural practices.