Damage to membrane and cellular respiration of Passalora fulva by extracts of leaves of Citrus aurantiifolia

Abstract

The foliar mold of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), produced by Passalora fulva, constitutes an important phytosanitary problem that affects the production of tomato in greenhouse. The use of plant extracts could contribute to the disease management. In this sense, ethanolic extracts of Citrus aurantiifolia leaves have shown antifungal activity against P. fulva. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of C. aurantiifolia extract on the cell membrane and respiration of P. fulva. The extract was obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction and the content of total phenols was quantified. The effect of the extracts on the cell membrane was evaluated by determining the phosphorus and potassium concentrations in the extracellular medium and the effect in respiration for succinate dehydrogenase activity. The high concentrations of phosphorus and potassium in the extracellular medium suggested damage in the permeability of the cellular membrane of P. fulva. Similarly, the inactivity of the enzyme succinate dehydrogenase indicated an inhibition of cellular respiration of P. fulva by the extract evaluated. The results of this study confirmed the antifungal properties of the leaf extract of C. aurantiifolia.

Keywords

• action mode
• leaf mould
• lemon