ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF PLANT EXTRACTS ON PATHOGENIC FUNGI OF CEREALS

JIMENEZ, C.M.; GIAMPAOLI, G.; GOMEZ, A.A.; SOBERÓN, J.R.; SGARIGILA, M. A.; SAMPIETRO D. A.

San Miguel de Tucumán

Congreso; BIOCELL 46 Suppl. 2 A20; 2022

Asociación de Biología de Tucumán

Phytopathogenic species of the genera Fusarium and Aspergillus cause diseases in cereal crops and contaminate crop products with their mycotoxins. The fungicides currently used are harmful to the environment and it is necessary to incorporate new antifungal molecules. In this work, the in vitro antifungal activity of extracts of aerial parts of plant species native to Northwest Argentina was evaluated: methanolic extract of vinal (Prosopis ruscifolia, Leguminoseae) and ethanolic extract of false jarilla (Zuccagnia punctata, Fabaceae). The extractive yield was 2.5 times higher in the extract of Z. punctata relative to that of P. ruscifolia. Antimicrobial activity was tested on F. verticillioides, F. graminearum sensu stricto, A. flavus, and A. parasiticus. Using microdilution assays, the 100% fungal growth inhibitory concentrations (MIC100) of the extracts were determined and compared with those obtained for the fungicides tebuconazole and Vendaval thi Carb (15% carbendazim–35% thiram), and the food preservatives calcium propionate and potassium sorbate. The MIC100 for the ethanolic extract Z. punctata ranged between 500–1000 µg/mL; and for the methanolic extract of P. ruscifolia, between 500–1500 µg/mL, with F. graminearum sensu stricto and A. flavus being the most sensitive species. Tebuconazole and Vendaval thi Carb suppressed the growth of fungal species in the range of 2.5–100 µg/mL; and preservatives in the range of 12.5–50 µg/mL. Studies are needed to identify and isolate the bioactive molecules present in both extracts and to evaluate their antifungal potential.