Eficiência de óleos essenciais no controle de Colletotrichum plurivorum in vitro no maracujazeiro-amarelo

Abstract

The yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) is widely cultivated in Brazil, presenting significant production and great economic importance. However, this crop faces severe phytosanitary challenges, being susceptible to various pathogens, with anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum species, standing out. Anthracnose primarily affects young tissues and is favored by environmental conditions of high humidity and moderate to high temperatures. Conventional management is based on the use of synthetic fungicides such as tebuconazole, difenoconazole, and copper-based compounds, which, although effective, negatively impact the environment, causing soil and water contamination, toxicity in aquatic organisms, and bioaccumulation in non-target organisms. Given this scenario, sustainable alternatives have been investigated, such as the use of essential oils with antifungal properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different concentrations (0 μL.L−1 (control); 10 μL.L−1; 50 μL.L−1; 100 μL.L−1; 150 μL.L−1; 200 μL.L−1; 250 μL.L−1) of citronella, clove, Chinese cinnamon, and tea tree essential oils on the mycelial growth of Colletotrichum plurivorum in vitro. Assessments were conducted daily for seven days of incubation. To determine differences between treatments, the percentage of mycelial growth inhibition (PIC) and the mycelial growth rate index (IVCM) were estimated. The results showed that, at concentrations of 0.5%, total mycelial growth inhibition was observed for all oils except tea tree oil, which required a concentration of 1% for complete inhibition. The findings demonstrated the effectiveness of essential oils as antifungal agents in a controlled environment for the control of Colletotrichum plurivorum.