Title : Efficacy of essential oils against plant pathogens
Abstract:
The efficacy of various essential oils (EOs) is being tested against biotrophic pathogens affecting vegetable crops, including powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii) and downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis). Additionally, the study includes necrotrophic pathogens from the genera Fusarium and Alternaria. The tested EOs originate from diverse plant species, such as Zingiber officinale, Valeriana officinalis, Artemisia absinthum, Citrus reticulata, Picea abies, and Thuja orientalis. A modified leaf disc bioassay was employed for screening biotrophic pathogens using a highly susceptible cucumber cultivar, while necrotrophic pathogens were tested on fruit fragments. The EOs were applied in multiple concentrations to assess their potential efficacy and phytotoxicity. Preliminary findings indicate promising potential for some EOs in managing these pathogens. An Internal Grant from Palacký University, project number IGA_PrF_2025_001 and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, project number QK21010064, supported the research.
