Author(s): PORTO, R. S.; RATH, S.; QUEIROZ, S. C. do N. de

Summary: Abastrac: Synthetic fungicides are a common treatment for post-harvest diseases in fruits, although demand is increasing for alternatives such as biopesticides. The aim of this work was to investigate the presence of naturally occurring antifungal compounds in Brazilian specimens of the weed Conyza canadensis. Two compounds [(4Z)-lachnophyllum lactone and (4Z,8Z)-matricaria lactone] were isolated and their antifungal activities were evaluated against eight postharvest disease fungi. Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium sp., and Penicillium digitatum proved susceptible to the treatment (minimum inhibitory concentrations varying from 32 to 64 µg mL-1). These fungi are common postharvest pathogens of fruits and vegetables, causing rots and secreting mycotoxins. A green and sustainable extraction method employing pressurized hot water was developed and optimized (100 °C, 4 × 1 min cycles). Yields of 1.46 and 0.24 mg g-1 were obtained for (4Z)-lachnophyllum lactone and (4Z,8Z)-matricaria lactone, respectively. The extract could be applied directly to fruits and vegetables in postharvest treatments.

Publication year: 2017

Types of publication: Journal article

Unit: Embrapa Environment

Keywords: Antifungal properties, Atividade antifúngica, Biopesticida, Biopesticides, Conyza canadensis, Doença de planta, Extrato vegetal, Plant extracts, Planta produtora de pesticida, Pós-colheita