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Natural Compounds for Controlling Plant Pathogens

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A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2025) | Viewed by 12749

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Dr. José Sebastián Dambolena

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Guest Editor

Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
Interests: mycoviruses; mycotoxins; Fusarium; fumonisin; hypovirulence; secondary metabolism
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Dr. Virginia Lara Usseglio

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Co-Guest Editor

Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
Interests: biopesticides; insect pests; Fusarium; semiochemicals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The impact of climate change on the environment brings with it numerous negative consequences for agroecosystems, among which are the yield losses caused by the action of pest insects and the deterioration caused by fungi and their mycotoxins. The combined management of agricultural practices that integrate the use of resistant genotypes, transgenic events for insect control, and the use of synthetic pesticides is the most commonly used strategy for the prevention and control of agricultural pests. However, the potential negative impacts on the environment and food security of synthetic pesticides, added to the emergence of resistance, drive the search for natural alternatives for pest control. Studies have shown that natural compounds can inhibit the growth and spread of plant pathogens through a variety of mechanisms, including direct killing of pathogens, regulating the plant immune system to enhance resistance, etc. In addition, compared with synthetic pesticides, natural compounds tend to be more environmentally friendly, safer, and less likely to induce resistance. Therefore, the use of natural compounds as a method for plant pathogen management has great potential in agriculture.

In this Special Issue, we welcome original research articles, short communications, or reviews that cover the most recent scientific discoveries in the search of natural insecticides and fungicides for controlling plant pathogens.

Dr. José Sebastián Dambolena
Guest Editor

Dr. Virginia Lara Usseglio
Co-Guest Editor

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Keywords

plant disease
natural compounds
antifungal activity
insecticidal activity
insect pests of plants
phytopathogens
mycotoxins

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research

3 pages, 156 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Natural Compounds for Controlling Plant Pathogens

by José Sebastián Dambolena and Virginia Lara Usseglio

Plants 2026, 15(7), 1084; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071084 - 1 Apr 2026

Viewed by 275

Abstract

Agricultural production systems across the world are currently facing unprecedented challenges [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds for Controlling Plant Pathogens)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

14 pages, 341 KB

Open AccessArticle

Paralysis Activity of “Basic Substances” and Rose Extracts on Meloidogyne incognita Second-Stage Juveniles

by Rodanthi Askianaki, Nikolaos G. Tsiropoulos, Kyriakos D. Giannoulis and Nikoletta Ntalli

Plants 2026, 15(3), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15030458 - 2 Feb 2026

Viewed by 433

Abstract

To date, searching for bionematicidals is essential. In the absence of nematicides, “Basic Substances” are gaining ground since they are cost-effective, do not mandate an expiration date and have no inherent capacity to cause endocrine-disrupting neurotoxic or immunotoxic effects. Most “Basic Substances” are authorized for the control of phytoparasitic fungi and insects, whereas nematicidals are yet to be available. In this study, we employed “Basic Substances” and in particular, beer, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium chloride, together with rose aromatotherapy by-products, on nematicidal bioassays against Meloidogyne incognita. We report that chemical composition analysis of the nematicidal rose extracts correlates with bioactivity. Paralysis-based bioassays were used as primary criteria to assess efficacy, specifically targeting second-stage juveniles of Meloidogyne incognita. The evaluated treatments were assessed after one day, two days, and three days of J2 immersion in test solutions. According to our results, the “Basic Substances” demonstrated a significant paralysis effect on J2, thus indicating, for the first time, the considerable significance of their authorization to the root knot nematodes. Similarly, the rose extracts were found to be nematicidal, and since they are foodstuffs, and thus nonconcern compounds, “Basic Substances” can be developed as aromatherapy by-products in the frame of a circular economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds for Controlling Plant Pathogens)

13 pages, 5141 KB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition and Antifungal Activity of Artemisia sieversiana Essential Oil Growing in Jilin Against Black Spot on Yanbian Pingguoli Pear in China

by Rong Zhang, Ti-Yan Zheng and Yu Fu

Plants 2026, 15(2), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15020207 - 9 Jan 2026

Viewed by 620

Abstract

Black spot disease substantially impairs both the aesthetic quality and commercial viability of affected Pingguoli pears. Previous studies have shown that Alternaria alternata and A. tenuissima are the pathogens that cause black spot disease. Essential oils represent novel alternatives to synthetic fungicides to control these pathogens. This study extracted Artemisia sieversiana essential oil (AsEO) by hydro-distillation using a crystal tower pure dew essential oil machine. The chemical compositions of AsEO were analyzed via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A total of 42 compounds were detected. 1,8-cineole, trans-caryophyllene, (1R,4S)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo [2.2.1] heptan-2-yl acetate, (±)-camphor, and β-myrcene were identified as the five main constituents. Moreover, the antifungal activity of AsEO was assessed against black spot on Yanbian Pingguoli pear in China. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values were determined as 0.10% (v/v) and 0.12% (v/v), respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that treatment with AsEO induced significant morphological aberrations in A. alternata and A. tenuissima mycelia, including surface roughening, hyphal collapse, and loss of structural integrity. Concurrently, a marked increase in alkaline phosphatase (AKP) enzyme activity and electrical conductivity was observed, a key indicator of cell wall and plasma membrane permeabilization and damage. When the concentration of AsEO was less than 120 µg/mL, there was no toxicity to keratinocytes (HaCaTs) and skin fibroblasts (NHSFs). In summary, this study provides a theoretical basis for the development of AsEO as a fungicide against black spot disease on Pingguoli pear in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds for Controlling Plant Pathogens)

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13 pages, 1073 KB

Open AccessArticle

Organic Compounds as a Natural Alternative for Pest Control: How Will Climate Change Affect Their Effectiveness?

by Virginia L. Usseglio, María P. Zunino, Vanessa D. Brito, Magalí Beato, Martin G. Theumer and José S. Dambolena

Plants 2026, 15(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15010048 - 23 Dec 2025

Viewed by 568

Abstract

Climate change scenarios predict increased temperatures, potentially impacting the development of phytopathogenic fungi and the efficacy of their control. This study evaluated the effects of four natural organic compounds—carvacrol, eugenol, trans-cinnamaldehyde, and 1-heptyn-3-ol—on the growth of Fusarium verticillioides and the survival of Sitophilus zeamais under two temperature regimes (28 °C and 32 °C). Fungal growth was assessed through the lag phase duration and mycelial expansion, while insecticidal activity was determined by mortality of S. zeamais. Carvacrol (1 ppm) produced the most pronounced inhibitory effect on fungal growth, significantly extending the lag phase and reducing mycelial area, with eugenol showing similar effects at selected concentrations. Both compounds maintained or enhanced their antifungal activity at elevated temperatures. Trans-cinnamaldehyde and 1-heptyn-3-ol exhibited moderate or low effects, depending on concentration and temperature. Regarding S. zeamais, 1-heptyn-3-ol achieved complete mortality at all concentrations under both temperature scenarios, whereas carvacrol, eugenol, and trans-cinnamaldehyde showed dose-dependent effects at 28 °C and enhanced efficacy at 32 °C. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of these compounds as sustainable, climate-resilient alternatives for managing fungal pathogens and stored-product pests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds for Controlling Plant Pathogens)

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13 pages, 1379 KB

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial Potential of Six Plant Essential Oils Against Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae: In Vitro Activity and In Planta Efficacy Do Not Always Align

by Marta Nunes da Silva, Miguel G. Santos, Marta W. Vasconcelos and Susana M. P. Carvalho

Plants 2025, 14(24), 3825; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14243825 - 16 Dec 2025

Viewed by 717

Abstract

Plant essential oils (EOs) are attracting interest as ecofriendly alternatives to antibiotics and copper-based control of kiwifruit bacterial canker (KBC), caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa). This study chemically profiled six EOs (anise, basil, cardamom, cumin, fennel, and laurel) and evaluated their antimicrobial activity both in vitro and in planta. The in vitro assay targeted four strains, two of Psa and two of the low-virulent P. syringae pv. actinidifoliorum (Pfm), whereas the in planta assay focused on the highly virulent Psa7286 strain, assessed under preventive and curative application regimes (i.e., 14 days pre- or post-inoculation, respectively). Cumin, with cuminaldehyde as its major component (48%), was the most effective EO in vitro, significantly inhibiting growth at 5–10% concentration, whereas anise, rich in anethole (89%), was consistently the least effective one. However, the in planta application of the EOs produced antimicrobial effects that differed markedly from in vitro results and showed strong dependence on the timing of application. Preventive treatment significantly reduced Psa endophytic populations in basil (70%), anise (54%), laurel (42%), and cumin (35%) compared to untreated plants. In contrast, when the EOs were applied post-inoculation (curative treatment), a significant decrease in Psa colonization was observed in laurel (81%), cardamon (70%), cumin (31%) and fennel (29%). Although plant EOs are gaining momentum in the control of Psa and other diseases, translation from in vitro to in planta efficacy is not direct and is strongly timing-dependent, which underscores the need to perform validation trials in planta and to fine-tune application schedules for the integrated management of KBC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds for Controlling Plant Pathogens)

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32 pages, 2473 KB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract and Its Potential Application in Plant Protection

by Stelica Cristea, Alina Perisoara, Bianca-Maria Tihauan, Manuela Diana Ene, Mariana Constantin, Alexandru-Mihai Florea, Elena Ştefania Ivan, Relu Cristinel Zala, Bogdan Purcăreanu, Dan Eduard Mihaiescu and Lucia Pirvu

Plants 2025, 14(21), 3320; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14213320 - 31 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1771

Abstract

In the context of promoting ecological alternatives to synthetic pesticides, this study investigates the antifungal activity of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seed extract and its potential application in plant protection. The extract, obtained by maceration in 40% ethanol, was analysed using UV-Vis spectrophotometric methods to assess its phytochemical composition, including phenolic compounds, reducing sugars, and soluble proteins, as well as antioxidant activity in acellular system (ABTS, DPPH, TEAC, and CUPRAC) and CAT, SOD, peroxidase, and lipid peroxidation in planting material lysate. Additionally, the extract was qualitatively analysed using ATR-FT-IR and FT-ICR-MS methods. The antifungal activity was tested in vitro against three fungal strains, revealing significant inhibitory effects, especially on Fusarium graminearum and Monilinia laxa. Following the biogermination study on wheat seeds, it was highlighted that the extract obtained from fenugreek seeds manifested a strong inhibitory effect, especially at the highest concentration (1.50%) studied, probably due to the high content of phenols and presence of steroidal saponins (diosgenin and precursor diosgenin–protodiosgenin) and pyridine alkaloids (trigonelline). These findings suggest that Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract possesses potent antifungal properties, making it a promising candidate for the development of biofungicides in sustainable agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds for Controlling Plant Pathogens)

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16 pages, 3274 KB

Open AccessArticle

Antifungal Activity of Artemisia capillaris Essential Oil Against Alternaria Species Causing Black Spot on Yanbian Pingguoli Pear in China

by Zu-Xin Kou, Yue Dang, Li Liu, Xue-Hong Wu and Yu Fu

Plants 2025, 14(20), 3146; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14203146 - 13 Oct 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1171

Abstract

Black spot is currently one of the most widespread diseases affecting Yanbian Pingguoli pears (Pyrus pyrifolia cv. ‘Pingguoli’), resulting in significant economic losses for fruit farmers. It is mainly caused by infestation by the fungal group of Alternaria species. To date, no research has reported the presence of Alternaria species and the pathogen of black spot disease on Yanbian Pingguoli pears in China. This study isolated, identified, and performed molecular profiling of 124 Alternaria strains collected from 15 major growing areas of Yanbian Pingguoli pear (more than 5000 trees). Moreover, the study evaluated the ability of Artemisia capillaris essential oil (AcEO) to suppress the mycelial expansion of Alternaria pathogens and conducted comprehensive chemical profiling. Overall, 124 pathogenic fungi were identified as Alternaria tenuissima (67 isolates, 54.0%) and A. alternate (57 isolates, 46.0%). AcEO showed a strong inhibitory effect on the two Alternaria species, with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value equivalent to 5.0 μL/mL. Eucalyptol, 2,2-Dimethyl-3-methylenebicyclo [2.2.1] heptane, (-)-alcanfor, and β-copaene were identified as the predominant bioactive components of AcEO. AcEO demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of the mycelial growth of A. tenuissima and A. alternata. These findings position AcEO as a promising candidate for developing sustainable fungicides to combat Alternaria-induced crop losses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds for Controlling Plant Pathogens)

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15 pages, 1679 KB

Open AccessArticle

Eco-Friendly Crop Protection: Argyrantemum frutescens, a Source of Biofungicides

by Eduardo Hernández-Álvarez, Samuel Rodríguez-Sabina, Noelia Labrador-García, Javier Hernández Pérez, Carolina P. Reyes, María Ángeles Llaría-López, Ignacio A. Jiménez and Isabel L. Bazzocchi

Plants 2025, 14(7), 985; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14070985 - 21 Mar 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1026

Abstract

Plant-derived biopesticides are emerging as a promising and popular alternative for promoting cleaner and safer agricultural practices. The present work aims to explore Argyranthemum frutescens (Asteraceae) as a source of botanical pesticides and to validate this through a cultivation process. To this task, a bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethanolic root extracts from both wild and cultivated A. frutescens on phytopathogenic fungi of Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, and Alternaria alternata was conducted. This approach led to the identification of polyacetylenes with higher potency than commercial fungicides. Specifically, compounds 3 (capillin) and 5 (frutescinone) showed more than 90% growth inhibition at 0.05 mg/mL concentration on B. cinerea, while compounds 2 (capillinol) and 3 were also more active than positive controls, Fosbel-Plus and Azoxystrobin, against F. oxysporum. The structures of the isolated polyacetylenes (1–6, 9, and 10) and alkamides (7, 8, and 11) were determined through spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configuration of stereocenter C1 of compounds 1, 2, 4 and 9 was determined by NMR-spectroscopy with (R)-(-)-α-methoxy-phenylacetic as a chiral derivatizing agent, and biogenetic considerations. Overall, this study supports the potential of polyacetylenes as promising agrochemical lead compounds against phytopathogens, and validates A. frutescens cultivation as a viable source of biopesticides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds for Controlling Plant Pathogens)

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20 pages, 2022 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Bioactive Sesquiterpenoids from Santolina chamaecyparissus L. Flowers: Chemical Profiling and Antifungal Activity Against Neocosmospora Species

by Eva Sánchez-Hernández, Jesús Martín-Gil, Vicente González-García, José Casanova-Gascón and Pablo Martín-Ramos

Plants 2025, 14(2), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14020235 - 16 Jan 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3194

Abstract

Santolina chamaecyparissus L. (cotton-lavender) is receiving increasing attention due to its potential for modern medicine and is considered both a functional food and nutraceutical. In this work, the phytochemical profile of its flower hydromethanolic extract was investigated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and its applications as a biorational for crop protection were explored against Neocosmospora spp., both in vitro and in planta. The phytochemical profiling analysis identified several terpene groups. Among sesquiterpenoids, which constituted the major fraction (50.4%), compounds featuring cedrane skeleton (8-cedren-13-ol), aromadendrene skeleton (such as (−)-spathulenol, ledol, alloaromadendrene oxide, epiglobulol, and alloaromadendrene), hydroazulene skeleton (ledene oxide, isoledene, and 1,2,3,3a,8,8a-hexahydro-2,2,8-trimethyl-,(3aα,8β,8aα)-5,6-azulenedimethanol), or copaane skeleton (cis-α-copaene-8-ol) were predominant. Additional sesquiterpenoids included longiborneol and longifolene. The monoterpenoid fraction (1.51%) was represented by eucalyptol, (+)-4-carene, endoborneol, and 7-norbornenol. In vitro tests against N. falciformis and N. keratoplastica, two emerging soil phytopathogens, resulted in effective concentration EC₉₀ values of 984.4 and 728.6 μg·mL⁻¹, respectively. A higher dose (3000 μg·mL⁻¹) was nonetheless required to achieve full protection in the in planta tests conducted on zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) cv. ‘Diamant F1’ and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv. ‘Optima F1’ plants inoculated with N. falciformis by root dipping. The reported data indicate an antimicrobial activity comparable to that of fosetyl-Al and higher than that of azoxystrobin conventional fungicides, thus making the flower extract a promising bioactive product for organic farming and expanding S. chamaecyparissus potential applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds for Controlling Plant Pathogens)

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19 pages, 8551 KB

Open AccessArticle

Antifungal Activity of Genistein Against Phytopathogenic Fungi Valsa mali Through ROS-Mediated Lipid Peroxidation

by Fangjie Li, Chen Yang, Maoye Li, Su Liu, Kuo Xu and Xianjun Fu

Plants 2025, 14(1), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14010120 - 3 Jan 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1977

Abstract

Valsa mali (V. mali) is a necrotrophic fungus responsible for apple Valsa canker, which significantly diminishes apple production yields and quality in China. Our serendipitous findings revealed that genistein significantly inhibits the mycelial growth of V. mali, with an inhibition rate reaching 42.36 ± 3.22% at a concentration of 10 µg/mL. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that genistein caused significant changes in the structure of V. mali, including mycelial contraction, distortion, deformity, collapse, and irregular protrusions. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed leakage of cellular contents, blurred cell walls, ruptured membranes, and organelle abnormalities. Genistein has been shown to increase reactive oxygen species levels in V. mali mycelia, as demonstrated by 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate staining. This increase was associated with a decrease in superoxide dismutase activity alongside increases in catalase and peroxidase activities. These changes collectively disrupted the oxidative equilibrium, leading to the induction of oxidative stress. The transcriptomic analysis revealed 13 genes enriched in this process, linked to unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis (three downregulated DEGs), saturated fatty acid biosynthesis (three upregulated and six downregulated DEGs), and fatty acid metabolism (four upregulated and nine downregulated DEGs). Additionally, the downregulated DEGs VMIG_07417 and VMIG_08675, which are linked to ergosterol biosynthesis, indicate possible changes in membrane composition. In conjunction with the qRT-PCR results, it is hypothesized that genistein exerts an antifungal effect on V. mali through ROS-mediated lipid peroxidation. This finding has the potential to contribute to the development of novel biological control agents for industrial crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds for Controlling Plant Pathogens)

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