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Essential Oils from Two Apiaceae Species as Potential Agents in Organic Crops Protection
Nadjiya Merad1, Vanessa Andreu2, Slimane Chaib3
1Laboratoire COSNA, Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences, BP 119, Université de Tlemcen, Tlemcen 13000, Algeria.
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 2, 2021
Summary
Essential oils from Algerian plants Eryngium triquetrum and Smyrnium olusatrum show potent biocontrol properties. Falcarinol from E. triquetrum exhibits strong herbicidal and antibacterial activity, demonstrating potential for organic crop protection.
Area of Science:
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Plant-derived Biocontrol Agents
- Organic Crop Protection
Background:
- Essential oils (EOs) are complex mixtures of volatile compounds from plants, known for diverse biological activities.
- The search for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides is crucial for modern agriculture.
- Algerian flora represents a rich, underexplored source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in agriculture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the chemical composition of EOs from Eryngium triquetrum and Smyrnium olusatrum.
- To evaluate the herbicidal, antifungal, antibacterial, and molluscicidal activities of these EOs.
- To assess the potential of these EOs and their isolated compounds as biocontrol agents in organic farming.
Main Methods:
- Essential oils were extracted and analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS).
- Biological activities (antifungal, antibacterial, molluscicidal, herbicidal) were quantified using percentage inhibition assays.
- Ecotoxicity was assessed using brine shrimp (Artemia salina) and freshwater snail (Biomphalaria glabrata) models.
Main Results:
- E. triquetrum EO was rich in falcarinol (74.8%); S. olusatrum EO contained furanoeremophilone (31.5%) and (E)-β-caryophyllene (11%).
- Pure falcarinol showed significant herbicidal and antibacterial activity against Pectobacterium atrosepticum and Pseudomonas cichorii.
- Both EOs exhibited excellent antifungal activity against Fusarium, and notable herbicidal and ecotoxic effects.
Conclusions:
- Falcarinol and the EO of E. triquetrum show strong potential as natural biocontrol agents against specific plant pathogens and weeds.
- The EO of S. olusatrum demonstrates promising antibacterial and herbicidal properties, with potential for agricultural applications.
- Both EOs represent viable, eco-friendly alternatives for integrated pest management and organic crop protection strategies.
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