Non-phytotoxic compounds of Baccharis from the Atlantic Forest as a sustainable alternative for controlling stored-wheat fungi
摘要
Among the plants present in the Atlantic Forest, Baccharis species have potential fungicidal activity against different fungi of agricultural interest. In this context, this study evaluated the fungicidal activity of essential oils (EOs) and hydrolates (HDs) of Baccharis articulata, Baccharis calvescens, and Baccharis milleflora (Asteraceae) against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus nomius, Fusarium culmorum, and Fusarium graminearum, in addition to its effect on the germination of wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum). The EOs and HDs were extracted by steam distillation method, and the compounds present were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The fungicidal activity was carried out by the contact method and volatilization. The yield content varied between species, with B. articulata presenting the highest value (0.77%). A total of 7, 16, and 27 chemical compounds were identified, corresponding to 92.62, 91.04, and 83.09% of the total chemical composition of EOs from B. articulata, B. calvescens, and B. milleflora, respectively. Using the contact method, Baccharis EOs and HDs were more effective in controlling Aspergillus and Fusarium isolates. Aspergillus flavus isolate had greater sensitivity to the EO from B. articulata (67.22% inhibition), while the HD from B. milleflora inhibited the growth of A. nomius by 71.66%. HDs caused inhibition between 25.84 and 44.22% of F. culmorum isolates. Using the volatilization method, isolates of A. flavus and F. culmorum (NRRL25475) had greater sensitivity to Baccharis EOs, with inhibition ranging from 4.25 to 20.20%. Wheat seed germination rate was greater than 90% for all treatments. The products obtained from the secondary metabolism of Baccharis species demonstrated fungicidal activity against storage pathogens and therefore may be promising substitutes for synthetic fungicides to control these microorganisms.