Antifungal Properties of Pimenta racemosa (Mill.) and Mentha x piperita (L.) Essential Oils against Fusarium oxysporum Causing Tomato Fruit Rot
Oscar C. A. Akotowanou
Laboratory of Study and Research in Applied Chemisty, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 POB 2009, Cotonou, Bénin and Laboratory of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FAST), Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences (ISBA), University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Cotonou, Benin.
Euloge Sènan Adjou *
Laboratory of Study and Research in Applied Chemisty, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 POB 2009, Cotonou, Bénin and Laboratory of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FAST), Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences (ISBA), University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Cotonou, Benin.
Philippe Sessou
Laboratory of Study and Research in Applied Chemisty, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 POB 2009, Cotonou, Bénin.
Sylvain Daton Kougblenou
Laboratory of Food Microbiology, Ministry of Health, 01, P.O. Box 418, Cotonou, Benin.
Adéyèmi Berane Olubi
Laboratory of Study and Research in Applied Chemisty, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 POB 2009, Cotonou, Bénin.
Franck Michels
Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Molecules, University of Liège, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, 2, Passage des Déportés, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium.
Edwige Dahouenon Ahoussi
Laboratory of Study and Research in Applied Chemisty, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 POB 2009, Cotonou, Bénin.
Akadiri Yessoufou
Laboratory of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FAST), Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences (ISBA), University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Cotonou, Benin.
Honoré Bankolé
Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01, POB 2009, Cotonou, Benin.
Marie-Laure Fauconnier
Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Molecules, University of Liège, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, 2, Passage des Déportés, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium.
Dominique C. K. Sohounhloué
Laboratory of Study and Research in Applied Chemisty, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 POB 2009, Cotonou, Bénin.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Fungal pathogens are responsible for the rot of tomatoes and cause health hazards to consumers as well as economic loss. The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of essential oils from Pimenta racemosa (Mill.) and Mentha x piperita (L.) leaves as plant-based fungicide against Fusarium oxysporum strains associated with tomato rot. The chemical composition of the essential oils was determined by GC-MS analysis. Antifungal effects of essential oils against strain of F. oxysporum obtained from rotted tomato, were evaluated through the determination of Minimal Fungicide Concentration (MFC) and the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). Results indicated that β-myrcene (19.48%), chavicol (15.39 %), and eugenol (46.65%) were the major components of the essential oil of Pimenta racemosa (Mill.). L-menthone (17.19 %), menthol (24.79%), and menthofuran (26.78 %) were the major components of the essential oil of Mentha x piperita (L.). Essential oil of Pimenta racemosa (Mill.) exhibited the highest antifungal activity against the growth of Fusarium oxysporum strain tested with a MIC and MFC of 0.75 and 1.25 μl.ml-1 respectively. These results provide an experimental basis for further research on the use of these plant extracts in the development of eco-friendly preservatives against fungi causing rots of tomato in post-harvest.
Keywords: Pimenta racemosa (Mill.), Mentha x piperita (L.), tomato, chemical composition, antifungal property, Benin