Antifungal activity of essential oil from Tunisian myrtle (Myrtus communis L.)

The objective of this study was to investigate the antifungal essential oil activity. The InVitro antifungal activity of myrtle essential oil against seven fungi allowed us to specify the corresponding minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of mycelial growth for each fungal strain. Results showed evidence for a strong inhibitory activity of this essential oil. Concentrations of 5 μl/ml and 9 μl/ml were sufficient for the total inhibition of the development of S. rolfsii and S. sclerotiorum, respectively. When used on potato tubers by applying the MIC 100% of S. rolfsii or F. solani, the fungicidal effect varied according to the type. Mean penetration of S. rolfsii was significantly inhibited (3 mm) by myrtle essential oil used as a preventive control in comparison with the inoculated control (12 mm). Myrtle oil was able to control the white rot of potato tubers caused by F. solani by reducing the average penetration by 70%. Myrtle essential oil have promising antifungal effects to be valorized in agricultural activities.