Fungitoxic effect of essential oils on Phakopsora euvitis, causal agent of grape rust

ABSTRACT Knowledge about undesirable effects of conventional fungicides, and concern from consumers and Regulatory Agencies about food quality have encouraged the research on new alternatives for controlling plant diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of 16 essential oils on Phakopsora euvitis , causal agent of grape rust in vitro and under field conditions. The essential oils tested were oregano, peppermint, black pepper, neem, eucalyptus globulus , citronella, cinnamon, marjoram, rosemary, basil, blue chamomile, white camphor, clove, ginger, tea tree and white thyme. In vitro , two experiments were carried: (i) evaluation of spores germination in water agar media amended with essential oil at 0 (control), 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4% (v/v). (ii) Evaluation of spores germination on detached leaves of vine previously treated with a solution of essential oils at 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4%. The percentage of inhibition in the spores germination and LD90 values were calculated. Under field conditions, essential oils 1% (v/v) were sprayed on vine plants, and rust severity was evaluated twice, 15 and 30 days post application. In in vitro tests, the LD90 values ranged from 0.39 (neem) to 3.9% (oregano). The most efficient essential oils on Phakpsora euvitis were blue chamomile, citronella, eucalyptus globulus , ginger, neem and white thyme. Under field conditions, all essential oils reduced rust severity and among them, those from cinnamon, citronella, neem and white thyme showed the highest level of rust control. Our results show that the essential oils tested are effective for the management of grape rust. However, further studies on the phytotoxicity of these compounds are still required.