Isolation and agricultural potential of penicillic acid against citrus canker

The control of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (X. citri), causal agent of citrus canker, relies heavily on integrated agricultural practices involving the use of copper-based chemicals. Considering the need for alternatives to control this disease and the potential of fungi from extreme environments as producers of bioactive metabolites, we isolated and identified a bioactive compound from Penicillium sp. CRM 1540 isolated from Antarctica marine sediment.

The potential of compound as an antibacterial agent against X. citri was assessed through in vitro and greenhouse experiments. Molecular taxonomy indicates that this fungus is a possible new species of Penicillium. Results revealed 90% bacterial inhibition in vitro at 25 µg ml^{- 1} and a decrease in 75.37% of citrus canker symptoms emergency in vivo in treated leaves of Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck considering the number of lesions per cm² (p < 0.05) in comparison with the control. The structure of the active agent was identified as penicillic acid based on a detailed spectroscopic analysis.

Penicillic acid can be an alternative against citrus canker.

Research into extremophile micro-organisms can identify molecules with biotechnological potential and alternatives to current agricultural practices.