IN VITRO EVALUATION OF ESSENTIAL OILS FROM SENEGALESE AROMATIC PLANTS AGAINST MANGO ANTHRACNOSE

Abstract

Mango anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is a significant post-harvest disease that affects mango production in Senegal, leading to significant economic losses. The use of synthetic fungicides to control anthracnose has various negative impacts on the environment and human and animal health. Therefore, alternative methods are being developed, such as biological control using essential oils from aromatic plants. In this study, the in vitro antifungal activity of ethanol extracts of Mentha piperita, Ocimum basilicum, Melaleuca quinquenervia, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis essential oils were tested on C. gloeosporioides. The essential oils of M. piperita and O. basilicum exhibited the most potent antifungal activity, showing the highest efficacy in inhibiting mycelial growth, spore production, and spore germination of the fungus. The study findings suggest that these essential oils could offer potential for use in biological control, which could help reduce the reliance on synthetic fungicides and promote sustainable agriculture practices.