Articles
Antifungal potential of Artemisia species extracts against major crop pathogens
Article number
1462_4
Pages
25 – 34
Language
English
Abstract
Pesticides play a crucial role in modern agriculture, protecting crops from insects, fungi, bacteria, and other harmful organisms responsible for 20-40% of global agricultural losses.
However, the extensive use of synthetic pesticides has raised concerns due to their environmental persistence and toxicity.
For instance, different hazardous pesticides have been banned in several regions due to their adverse effects on ecosystems and human health.
As a result, biopesticides have emerged as eco-friendly alternatives, derived from natural sources to minimize environmental impact.
The genus Artemisia, comprising over 500 species, is widely known for its medicinal, aromatic, and pesticidal properties.
Different plants of this genus, including Artemisia annua, have demonstrated significant antimicrobial properties.
In this study, we have tested the antifungal properties of extracts of different species of Artemisia (including A. absinthium, A. afra, A. annua, A. dracunculus, and A. thuscula). The antifungal properties have been evaluated through in vitro assays against major crop pathogens such as Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, and Fusarium oxysporum. These pathogens are significant contributors to economic losses in commercial agriculture, underscoring the need for sustainable and effective biocontrol strategies.
Apart from A. absinthium, all tested Artemisia species exhibited some degree of inhibition against the target pathogens. A. afra displayed limited antifungal activity, while A. thuscula demonstrated a notable inhibitory effect specifically against A. alternata. A. annua and A. dracunculus showed the highest overall efficacy against all pathogens, with B. cinerea being the most affected by extracts from both species.
These findings highlight the potential of Artemisia species for sustainable fungal control.
However, the extensive use of synthetic pesticides has raised concerns due to their environmental persistence and toxicity.
For instance, different hazardous pesticides have been banned in several regions due to their adverse effects on ecosystems and human health.
As a result, biopesticides have emerged as eco-friendly alternatives, derived from natural sources to minimize environmental impact.
The genus Artemisia, comprising over 500 species, is widely known for its medicinal, aromatic, and pesticidal properties.
Different plants of this genus, including Artemisia annua, have demonstrated significant antimicrobial properties.
In this study, we have tested the antifungal properties of extracts of different species of Artemisia (including A. absinthium, A. afra, A. annua, A. dracunculus, and A. thuscula). The antifungal properties have been evaluated through in vitro assays against major crop pathogens such as Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, and Fusarium oxysporum. These pathogens are significant contributors to economic losses in commercial agriculture, underscoring the need for sustainable and effective biocontrol strategies.
Apart from A. absinthium, all tested Artemisia species exhibited some degree of inhibition against the target pathogens. A. afra displayed limited antifungal activity, while A. thuscula demonstrated a notable inhibitory effect specifically against A. alternata. A. annua and A. dracunculus showed the highest overall efficacy against all pathogens, with B. cinerea being the most affected by extracts from both species.
These findings highlight the potential of Artemisia species for sustainable fungal control.
Publication
Authors
E. Hernández-Bolaños, L. Cuyas, L. Matías-Hernández
Keywords
Artemisia spp., bioactive compounds, biocides, fungal control, Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum
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