Antifungal effect of pirul essential oil against phytopathogenic fungi of corn

Authors

  • Anareli Quintero-Jiménez Departamento de Ingeniería Agroindustrial-División de Ciencias de la Salud e Ingenierías- Programa de Ingeniería en Biotecnología-Universidad de Guanajuato. Campus Celaya-Salvatierra, Av. Mutualismo Esq. Prol. Río Lerma S/N, Celaya, Guanajuato. CP. 38060
  • Laura Sofía Castillo-Ortega Centro Nacional de Referencia de Inocuidad y Bioseguridad Agroalimentaria. Carretera México-Pachuca km 37.5, Tecámac, Estado de México. CP. 55740
  • Claudia Alondra López-López Laboratorio de Agrobiotecnología-Universidad Tecnológica de Mineral de la Reforma. Camino Providencia-La Calera 1000, Ex Hacienda Chavarría, Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, México. CP. 42186
  • Edgar López-López Laboratorio de Agrobiotecnología-Universidad Tecnológica de Mineral de la Reforma. Camino Providencia-La Calera 1000, Ex Hacienda Chavarría, Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, México. CP. 42186

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29312/remexca.v16i5.3767

Keywords:

distillation, fungicide, inhibition

Abstract

The present study evaluated the efficacy of pirul essential oil in the control of corn pathogens, including those responsible for significant diseases of this crop. Essential oil was extracted from fresh pirul leaves using the steam distillation method, obtaining a yield of 0.5%. The oil obtained was analyzed using the GC-MS technique, identifying main compounds, such as α-pinene, β-pinene, and D-limonene, known for their antimicrobial properties. Disc diffusion and cell viability assays showed dose-dependent inhibition of mycelial growth and a significant reduction in pathogen viability with increasing essential oil concentration. At a concentration of 1 000 ppm, the relative viability of the pathogens decreased to less than 10%, demonstrating potent antifungal activity. Comparatively, the control with tebuconazole showed a very low relative viability (1.5%), confirming the superiority of pirul essential oil as a natural antifungal agent. These results suggest that pirul essential oil is a promising and sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides for the control of corn pathogens, contributing to safer and greener agricultural practices.

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Published

2025-08-14

How to Cite

Quintero-Jiménez, Anareli, Laura Sofía Castillo-Ortega, Claudia Alondra López-López, and Edgar López-López. 2025. “Antifungal Effect of Pirul Essential Oil Against Phytopathogenic Fungi of Corn”. Revista Mexicana De Ciencias Agrícolas 16 (5). México, ME:e3767. https://doi.org/10.29312/remexca.v16i5.3767.

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 5 (2025)

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Articles

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