Biological Activity of Plant Essential Oils against <i>Fusarium circinatum</i>

Abstract

The fungus, Fusarium circinatum, causes pitch canker in susceptible Pinus spp. and Douglas fir. Infection promotes damping-off, resin-streaming cankers, on main stems and lateral branches, shoot dieback, needle chlorosis or discoloration, cone death, and increased tree mortality. Essential oils (EOs) can provide eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides. The present work reviewed the available literature on EOs tested against F. circinatum. The 62 tested EOs were extracted mainly from plants belonging to the families Myrtaceae, Compositae and Apiaceae. The highest activities were reported for Cinnamomum verum, Cymbopogon citratus, Foeniculum vulgare, Syzygium aromaticum and Thymus vulgaris EOs. A higher investment in the screening of natural compounds, as eco-friendly fungicides against pitch canker, is necessary to promote more sustainable disease control measures.

Keywords

• essential oil
• forest management
• fungicide
• <i>Fusarium circinatum</i>
• phytosanitary measures
• <i>Pinus</i>