Alternative control of the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary causes agent sclerotinia, with essential oils and plant extracts

Abstract

The fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a fungus that survives in the soil, produces sclerotia and causes the disease known as white mold in various cultures. In the search for new methods of disease control, plant extracts and essential oils appear as an option. In this study, we evaluated in vitro and in vivo effect of essential oils and plant extracts of Cymbopogom citratus, Schinus molle, Schinus terebinthifolius, Salvia officinalis and Baccharis trimera; with possible antifungal potential against the pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) of Bary. Essential oils and plant extracts were tested at different concentrations. Suppression of mycelial growth of the pathogen tested with essential oils of C. citratus, S. officinalis and B.trimera, which can occur either by direct antimicrobial activity and the activation of defense mechanisms of plants. Not so with the extracts, as there was no inhibition of fungal growth.