Óleos essenciais como controle alternativo de fitopatógenos

Abstract

At the present study we evaluated the potential of essential oils of species Cymbopogon Nardus L. (Citronella grass), Copaifera sp. (Copaiba) and Ocimum basilicum L. (Basil) in control phytopathogens associated seeds marketed of O basilicum; the essential oil chemical composition of Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni) and its fungitoxic activity in vitro and in vivo in control of phytopathogens causers of leaf blotch, as well as the its potential for phytoalexin synthesis and enzymes induction involved in the mechanisms disease resistance and defense in maize plants. Due to the complexity of the chemical composition of essential oils, such substances have presented promising potential in the control of pathogenic agents. Observed that essential oils presented potential for inhibition of mycoflora associated to O. basilicum seeds, and the essential oil of C. nardus was effective in vitro control inhibiting spore germination and mycelial growth of the phytopathogen Curvularia sp., besides having been also, effective in the preventive control of Curvularia spot disease in O. basilicum plants. Although there is no information about the use of essential oil of M. citrifolia fruits on the control of phytopathogens, the results showed that the essential oil of this species was effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth and the blotch severity of disease caused by phytopathogens Bipolaris maydis and Exserohilum turcicum, presenting AUDPC values lower than those observed when plants were sprayed with fungicides. It was also observed that the essential oil presented potential in phytoalexin and enzymes synthesis involved in resistance and defense mechanisms in maize plants.