Antifungal Properties of Essential Oils From Rosmarinus Officinalis, Citrus Aurantium, and Origanum Majorana

Abstract

With the prohibition of many chemical pesticides due to their impact on the health of living resources, as well as on the quality of food, soil and water, it has become essential to look for alternatives of natural origin that promote sustainability. This study focuses on the antifungal activity of Rosmarinus officinalis, Origanum majorana and Citrus aurantium essential oils against Phytophthora palmivora and Alternaria alternata. The antifungal activity of six essential oil concentrations was tested in vitro by the direct contact method. After a seven-day follow-up, the results revealed a significant antifungal effect of Origanum majorana essential oil, with total inhibition of mycelial growth at a concentration of 1.5 μl/ml and 3.33 μl/ml on Phytophthora palmivora and Alternaria alternata respectively. While Rosmarinus officinalis and Citrus aurantium showed less antifungal activity, with MICs ranging from 6.66 μL/mL to 12.5 μL/mL. These promising results pave the way for in vivo efficacy tests to confirm its use in more sustainable agricultural practices.