Vasorelaxant Activity of (2S)-Sakuranetin and Other Flavonoids Isolated from the Green Propolis of the Caatinga Mimosa tenuiflora.

Some in vitro and in vivo evidence is consistent with the cardiovascular beneficial activity of propolis. As the single actors responsible for this effect have never been identified, an in-depth investigation of flavonoids isolated from the green propolis of the Caatinga Mimosa tenuiflora was performed and their mechanism of action was described. A comprehensive electrophysiology, functional, and molecular docking approach was applied. Most flavanones and flavones were effective CaV1.2 channel blockers with a potency order of (2S)-sakuranetin > eriodictyol-7,3'-methyl ether > quercetin 3-methyl ether > 5,4'-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyflavanone > santin > axillarin > penduletin > kumatakenin, ermanin and viscosine being weak or modest stimulators. Except for eriodictyol 5-O-methyl ether, all the flavonoids were also effective spasmolytic agents of vascular rings, kumatakenin and viscosine also showing an endothelium-dependent activity. (2S)-Sakuranetin also stimulated KCa1.1 channels both in single myocytes and vascular rings. In silico analysis provided interesting insights into the mode of action of (2S)-sakuranetin within both CaV1.2 and KCa1.1 channels. The green propolis of the Caatinga Mimosa tenuiflora is a valuable source of multi-target vasoactive flavonoids: this evidence reinforces its nutraceutical value in the cardiovascular disease prevention arena.

Preservation of Mimosa tenuiflora Antiaflatoxigenic Activity Using Microencapsulation by Spray-Drying.

Mimosa tenuiflora aqueous extract (MAE) is rich in phenolic compounds. Among them, condensed tannins have been demonstrated to exhibit a strong antioxidant and antiaflatoxin B1 activities in Aspergillus flavus. Since antioxidant capacity can change with time due to environmental interactions, this study aimed to evaluate the ability of encapsulation by spray-drying of Mimosa tenuiflora aqueous extract to preserve their biological activities through storage. A dry formulation may also facilitate transportation and uses. For that, three different wall materials were used and compared for their efficiency. Total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, antifungal and antiaflatoxin activities were measured after the production of the microparticles and after one year of storage at room temperature. These results confirmed that encapsulation by spray-drying using polysaccharide wall materials is able to preserve antiaflatoxin activity of Mimosa tenuiflora extract better than freezing.

Mimosa tenuiflora's antimicrobial activity on bacteria and fungi from medical importance: an integrative review.

The misuse of antimicrobials has led to the appearance of several multi-resistant pathogens and, as a result, it has been necessary to search for new compounds that are effective against these microorganisms. Faced with this scenario, one of the forms that has been arousing the interest of scholars is the obtaining of antimicrobial compounds from medicinal plants, since, through them, effective compounds are usually obtained against pathogens and with low toxicity to humans and animals. In Brazilian Caatinga, there are several medicinal plants with antimicrobial properties, and one of them is Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir., also known as Jurema Preta, popularly used to treat comorbidities that affect mainly the skin. In view of this, to investigate its antimicrobial potential, a bibliographical survey of experimental articles, published in the last 10 years, which analyzed the antimicrobial activity of M. tenuiflora in bacteria and fungi of importance, was made. Thus, it was possible to observe that the extracts obtained from M. tenuiflora showed in vitro antimicrobial activity. In addition, the compounds flavonoids and tannins are likely to be the main responsible for Mimosa tenuiflora's antimicrobial activity. Thus, M. tenuiflora presents a high study potential in microbial growth control.

Pyroligneous acid from Mimosa tenuiflora and Eucalyptus urograndis as an antimicrobial in dairy goats.

AIMS: To evaluate the applicability of the Mimosa tenuiflora and Eucalyptus urograndis pyroligneous acids (PAs) as alternative antiseptics in dairy goats. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro using bacteria, as well as in vivo using goats, and the influence of PAs on the physicochemical parameters of fresh milk were examined. The cytotoxicity of PAs was evaluated in terms of morphology, cell viability and metabolic activity of goat tegumentary cells. The PA of M. tenuiflora had results similar to those of 2% iodine. For the in vitro tests, strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used with the well technique, demonstrating inhibition halos greater than 9 mm. In the in vivo test, 15 animals were used per phase of the experiment, and the plate counting technique showed that there was antiseptic action of both extracts, with emphasis on the M. tenuiflora PA. Physicochemical analysis of the milk showed that neither PAs interfered with its physical-chemical parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The PA of M. tenuiflora presented potential as an alternative antiseptic in dairy goats. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study demonstrates the use of PA as an antimicrobial agent in animals.

A Comprehensive Review of the Ethnotraditional Uses and Biological and Pharmacological Potential of the Genus Mimosa.

The Mimosa genus belongs to the Fabaceae family of legumes and consists of about 400 species distributed all over the world. The growth forms of plants belonging to the Mimosa genus range from herbs to trees. Several species of this genus play important roles in folk medicine. In this review, we aimed to present the current knowledge of the ethnogeographical distribution, ethnotraditional uses, nutritional values, pharmaceutical potential, and toxicity of the genus Mimosa to facilitate the exploitation of its therapeutic potential for the treatment of human ailments. The present paper consists of a systematic overview of the scientific literature relating to the genus Mimosa published between 1931 and 2020, which was achieved by consulting various databases (Science Direct, Francis and Taylor, Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, SciELO, Web of Science, SciFinder, Wiley, Springer, Google, The Plant Database). More than 160 research articles were included in this review regarding the Mimosa genus. Mimosa species are nutritionally very important and several species are used as feed for different varieties of chickens. Studies regarding their biological potential have shown that species of the Mimosa genus have promising pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, wound-healing, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antinociceptive, antiepileptic, neuropharmacological, toxicological, antiallergic, antihyperurisemic, larvicidal, antiparasitic, molluscicidal, antimutagenic, genotoxic, teratogenic, antispasmolytic, antiviral, and antivenom activities. The findings regarding the genus Mimosa suggest that this genus could be the future of the medicinal industry for the treatment of various diseases, although in the future more research should be carried out to explore its ethnopharmacological, toxicological, and nutritional attributes.

A Unique Combination of Two Different Quorum Sensing Systems in the ß-Rhizobium Cupriavidus taiwanensis.

Cupriavidus taiwanensis LMG19424, a ß-rhizobial symbiont of Mimosa pudica, harbors phc and tqs quorum sensing (QS), which are the homologous cell-cell communication systems previously identified from the plant pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum and the human pathogen Vibrio cholerae, respectively. However, there has been no experimental evidence reported that these QS systems function in C. taiwanensis LMG19424. We identified (R)-methyl 3-hydroxymyristate (3-OH MAME) and (S)-3-hydroxypentadecan-4-one (C15-AHK) as phc and tqs QS signals, respectively, and characterized these QS systems. The expression of the signal synthase gene phcB and tqsA in E. coli BL21(DE3) resulted in the high production of 3-OH MAME and C15-AHK, respectively. Their structures were elucidated by comparison of EI-MS data and GC/chiral LC retention times with synthetic standards. The deletion of phcB reduced cell motility and increased biofilm formation, and the double deletion of phcB/tqsA caused the accumulation of the metal chelator coproporphyrin III in its mutant culture. Although the deletion of phcB and tqsA slightly reduced its ability to nodulate on aseptically grown seedlings of M. pudica, there was no significant difference in nodule formation between LMG19424 and its QS mutants when commercial soils were used. Taken together, this is the first example of the simultaneous production of 3-OH MAME/C15-AHK as QS signals in a bacterial species, and the importance of the phc/tqs QS systems in the saprophytic stage of C. taiwanensis LMG19424 is suggested.

The Effect of Growth Medium Strength on Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations of Tannins and Tannin Extracts against E. coli.

In this study the effect of growth medium strength on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of different tannins and tannin extracts against Escherichia coli was systematically investigated for the first time. Three pure compounds (vescalagin, castalagin and gallic acid) and five extracts (chestnut, quebracho, mimosa, Colistizer and tannic acid) were studied. Broth microdilution was assayed and bacteria were grown using different growth medium strengths varying from half to double the concentration recommended by the producer. MICs were determined using the iodonitrotetrazolium chloride (INT) dye or turbidity measurements. It was observed that MIC values depend on the growth medium strength. With an increase in the growth medium concentration MIC values rose roughly linearly for all samples, while their relative order remained unchanged, indicating that a direct interaction of tannins with growth medium nutrients represents the likely source of their antimicrobial activity. Understanding the effect of growth medium strength can finally yield a plausible explanation for the observed variation in MIC values reported in the scientific literature as well as provide help in planning proper applications of tannins in the livestock production.

Use of plant materials for the bioremediation of soil from an industrial site.

Bioremediation is one of the existing techniques applied for treating oil-contaminated soil, which can be improved by the incorporation of low-cost nutritional materials. This study aimed to assess the addition of two low-cost plant residues, sugarcane bagasse (SCB) and leaf litter (LL) of the forest leguminous Mimosa caesalpiniifolia plant (sabiá), either separately or combined, to a contaminated soil from a petroleum refinery area, analyzed after 90 days of treatment. Individually, both amounts of SCB (20 and 40 g kg-1) favored the growth of total heterotrophic bacteria and total fungi, while LL at 20 g kg-1 better stimulated the hydrocarbon-degrading microorganism's activity in the soil. However, no TPH removal was observed under any of these conditions. Higher microbial growth was detected by the application of both plant residues in multicontaminated soil. The maximum TPH removal of 30% was achieved in amended soil with 20 g kg-1 SCB and 20 kg-1 LL. All the experimental conditions revealed changes in the microbial community structure, related to the handling of the soil, with abundance of Alphaproteobacteria. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the plant residues SCB and LL as low-cost nutritional materials for biodegradation of hydrocarbon in real oil contaminated soil by indigenous populations.

Antimicrobial activity of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth and its interaction with antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus strains overexpressing efflux pump genes.

This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the dichloromethane fraction (DCMF) from the stem bark of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia and its effect on the activity of conventional antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus strains overexpressing specific efflux pump genes. DCMF showed activity against S. aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida albicans. Addition of DCMF at subinhibitory concentrations to the growth media enhanced the activity of norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin and ethidium bromide against S. aureus strains overexpressing norA suggesting the presence of efflux pump inhibitors in its composition. Similar results were verified for tetracycline against S. aureus overexpressing tetK, as well as, for ethidium bromide against S. aureus overexpressing qacC. These results indicate that M. caesalpiniifolia is a source of molecules able to modulate the fluoroquinolone- and tetracycline-resistance in S. aureus probably by inhibition of NorA, TetK and QacC respectively. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Drug resistance is a common problem in patients with infectious diseases. Dichloromethane fraction from the stem bark of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and against Candida albicans, but did not show activity against Gram-negative specie Escherichia coli. Moreover, this fraction was able to potentiate the action of norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline against S. aureus strains overexpressing different efflux pump genes. Thus, Mimosa caesalpiniifolia is a source of efflux pump inhibitors which could be used in combination with fluoroquinolones or tetracycline in the treatment of infectious diseases caused by S. aureus strains overexpressing efflux pump genes.

Antibacterial and antifungal activities of pyroligneous acid from wood of Eucalyptus urograndis and Mimosa tenuiflora.

AIMS: This work aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal activities of two types of pyroligneous acid (PA) obtained from slow pyrolysis of wood of Mimosa tenuiflora and of a hybrid of Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Wood wedges were carbonized on a heating rate of 1·25°C min-1 until 450°C. Pyrolysis smoke was trapped and condensed to yield liquid products. Crude pyrolysis liquids were bidistilled under 5 mmHg vacuum yielding purified PA. Multi-antibiotic-resistant strains of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) had their sensitivity to PA evaluated using agar diffusion test. Two yeasts were evaluated as well, Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) and Cryptococcus neoformans. GC-MS analysis of both PAs was carried out to obtain their chemical composition. Regression analysis was performed, and models were adjusted, with diameter of inhibition halos and PA concentration (100, 50 and 20%) as parameters. Identity of regression models and equality of parameters in polynomial orthogonal equations were verified. Inhibition halos were observed in the range 15-25 mm of diameter. CONCLUSIONS: All micro-organisms were inhibited by both types of PA even in the lowest concentration of 20%. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The feasibility of the usage of PAs produced with wood species planted in large scale in Brazil was evident and the real potential as a basis to produce natural antibacterial and antifungal agents, with real possibility to be used in veterinary and zootechnical applications.

An optimized protocol for DNA extraction in plants with a high content of secondary metabolites, based on leaves of Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir. (Leguminosae).

Some species are characterized by a high content of tannins, alkaloids, and phenols in their leaves. These secondary metabolites are released during DNA extraction and might hinder molecular studies based on PCR (polymerase chain reaction). To provide an efficient method to extract DNA, Mimosa tenuiflora, an important leguminous plant from Brazilian semiarid region used in popular medicine and as a source of fuelwood or forage, was used. Eight procedures previously reported for plants were tested and adapted from leaf tissues of M. tenuiflora stored at -20°C. The optimized procedure in this study encompassed the utilization of phenol during deproteinization, increased concentrations of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and sodium chloride, and a shorter period and lower temperature of incubation concerning other methods. The extracted DNA did not present degradation, and amplification via PCR was successful using ISSR, trnL, ITS, and ETS primers. Besides M. tenuiflora, this procedure was also tested and proved to be efficient in genetic studies of other plant species.

Proteome comparison for discrimination between honeydew and floral honeys from botanical species Mimosa scabrella Bentham by principal component analysis.

BACKGROUND: Due to the increasing valuation and appreciation of honeydew honey in many European countries and also to existing contamination among different types of honeys, authentication is an important aspect of quality control with regard to guaranteeing the origin in terms of source (honeydew or floral) and needs to be determined. Furthermore, proteins are minor components of the honey, despite the importance of their physiological effects, and can differ according to the source of the honey. In this context, the aims of this study were to carry out protein extraction from honeydew and floral honeys and to discriminate these honeys from the same botanical species, Mimosa scabrella Bentham, through proteome comparison using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and principal component analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that the proteome profile and principal component analysis can be a useful tool for discrimination between these types of honey using matched proteins (45 matched spots). Also, the proteome profile showed 160 protein spots in honeydew honey and 84 spots in the floral honey. CONCLUSION: The protein profile can be a differential characteristic of this type of honey, in view of the importance of proteins as bioactive compounds in honey. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Performance and carcass characteristics of lambs fed diets with increasing levels of Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) hay replacing Buffel grass hay.

This study evaluated the performance and carcass characteristics of lambs fed diets with increasing levels of Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) hay replacing Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris). Twenty-eight Santa Inês male lambs with an average body weight (BW) of 20.3 ± 1.49 kg(mean ± SD) were allocated in individual stalls and distributed in a completely random design with four treatments (0, 20, 40, and 60 g/100 g total DM M. tenuiflora hay replacing Buffel grass hay in diet) with seven replications. M. tenuiflora hay at the level of 20% dry matter (DM) total replacing Buffel grass hay increased final weight (P = 0.006), total weight gain (P < 0.001), average daily weight gain (ADWG; P < 0.001), DM intake (P < 0.001), and feed efficiency (P < 0.001). Intake of crude protein, NDFap, ADFap, ash, ether extract, total and non-fibrous carbohydrates, and total digestible nutrients presented a positive quadratic effect with M. tenuiflora hay replacing Buffel grass hay and 40 g/100 g total DM level presented greater intake. There were positive quadratic effects by M. tenuiflora hay inclusion at 20 g/100 g total DM level on slaughtering weight (P = 0.005), hot carcass weight (P = 0.002), cold carcass weight (P = 0.002), empty body weight (P = 0.001), hot carcass yield (P = 0.002), cold carcass yield (P = 0.003), and increase linear on biological yield (P = 0.003). There was no influence on cooling weight loss (P = 0.284). M. tenuiflora hay may be included in lamb diets at amounts up to 20 g/100 g total DM substitution of Buffel grass hay because increase in the nutrients intake, growth performance, and carcass characteristics.

Meroterpenoids and Chalcone-Lignoids from the Roots of Mimosa diplotricha.

Six new meroterpenoids, diplomeroterpenoids A-F (1-6), two new chalcone-lignoids, diplochalcolins A and B (7, 8), and 13 known compounds were isolated from the root extract of Mimosa diplotricha. Diplomeroterpenoids A-F consist of a 4H-chromen-4-one and a diterpenoid unit, and their absolute configurations were determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compounds 1-3 and 5 showed potent inhibitory activity on protein farnesyl transferase, with IC50 values from 5.0 to 8.5 µM. Compound 1 showed antiproliferative activity against human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells with a GI50 value of approximately 8.6 µM.

Synthesis and Characterization of Mimosa Pudica Leaves Shaped α-Iron Oxide Nanostructures for Ethanol Chemical Sensor Applications.

Herein, the synthesis of mimosa pudica leaves shaped a-iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) nanostructures is reported through simple and facile hydrothermal process. The prepared α-Fe2O3 nanostructures were characterized in terms of their morphological, structural, compositional and optical properties through a variety of characterization techniques such as FESEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The detailed characterizations revealed the well-crystallinity and dense growth of mimosa pudica leaf shaped α-Fe2O3 nanostructures. Further, the prepared nanomaterials were used as efficient electron mediator to fabricate sensitive ethanol chemical sensor. The fabricated sensor exhibited a high sensitivity of -30.37 µAmM(-1) cm(-2) and low detection limit of -0.62 µM. The observed linear dynamic range (LDR) was in the range from 10 µM-0.625 µM.

Induction of nodD Gene in a Betarhizobium Isolate, Cupriavidus sp. of Mimosa pudica, by Root Nodule Phenolic Acids.

A range of phenolic acids, viz., p-coumaric acid, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and cinnamic acid have been isolated and identified by LC-MS analysis in the roots and root nodules of Mimosa pudica. The effects of identified phenolic acids on the regulation of nodulation (nod) genes have been evaluated in a betarhizobium isolate of M. pudica root nodule. Protocatechuic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid were most effective in inducing nod gene, whereas caffeic acid had no significant effect. Phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase activities were estimated, indicating regulation and metabolism of phenolic acids in root nodules. These results showed that nodD gene expression of betarhizobium is regulated by simple phenolic acids such as protocatechuic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid present in host root nodule and sustains nodule organogenesis.

2'-Hydroxy flavanone derivatives as an inhibitors of pro-inflammatory mediators: Experimental and molecular docking studies.

2'-Hydroxy flavanone (1) was previously isolated from Mimosa pudica (L.) whole plant and was found to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. There are also reports on anti-inflammatory properties of compounds bearing flavanone/chromone nucleus. Taking this into account, fourteen derivatives of 2'-hydroxy flavanone (1) were synthesized and evaluated against pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1ß and NO) in in vitro and in vivo models. Results directed that among the synthesized compounds, four derivatives (11-14) showed profound inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators as compared to the lead molecule. Further, 11-14 demonstrated comparable anti-inflammatory activity with ibuprofen in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema assay and appreciable inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α and IL-1ß) in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. The synthesized compounds were further subjected to molecular docking analysis and in silico prediction of pharmacokinetic properties.

Assessing chemical constituents of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia stem bark: possible bioactive components accountable for the cytotoxic effect of M. caesalpiniifolia on human tumour cell lines.

Mimosa caesalpiniifolia is a native plant of the Brazilian northeast, and few studies have investigated its chemical composition and biological significance. This work describes the identification of the first chemical constituents in the ethanolic extract and fractions of M. caesalpiniifolia stem bark based on NMR, GC-qMS and HRMS analyses, as well as an assessment of their cytotoxic activity. GC-qMS analysis showed fatty acid derivatives, triterpenes and steroid substances and confirmed the identity of the chemical compounds isolated from the hexane fraction. Metabolite biodiversity in M. caesalpiniifolia stem bark revealed the differentiated accumulation of pentacyclic triterpenic acids, with a high content of betulinic acid and minor amounts of 3-oxo and 3ß-acetoxy derivatives. Bioactive analysis based on total phenolic and flavonoid content showed a high amount of these compounds in the ethanolic extract, and ESI-(-)-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS identified caffeoyl hexose at high intensity, as well as the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids. Furthermore, the evaluation of the ethanolic extract and fractions, including betulinic acid, against colon (HCT-116), ovarian (OVCAR-8) and glioblastoma (SF-295) tumour cell lines showed that the crude extract, hexane and dichloromethane fractions possessed moderate to high inhibitory activity, which may be related to the abundance of betulinic acid. The phytochemical and biological study of M. caesalpiniifolia stem bark thus revealed a new alternative source of antitumour compounds, possibly made effective by the presence of betulinic acid and by chemical co-synergism with other compounds.

Mimosa (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia) prevents oxidative DNA damage induced by cadmium exposure in Wistar rats.

The Mimosa (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia) is a plant native from South America; it is used in the traditional medicine systems for treating bacterial, fungal, parasitic and inflammatory conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antigenotoxic and antioxidant activities induced by mimosa (M. caesalpiniifolia) in multiple rodent organs subjected to intoxication with cadmium chloride. A total of 40 Wistar rats (8 weeks old, 250 g) were distributed into eight groups (n = 5), as follows: Control group (non-treated group, CTRL); Cadmium exposed group (Cd); cadmium exposure and treated with extract at 62.5 mg/kg/day; cadmium exposure and treated with extract at 125 mg/kg/day; cadmium exposure and treated with extract at 250 mg/kg/day; cadmium exposure and treated with ethyl acetate fraction at 62.5 mg/kg/day. For evaluating the toxicogenetic potential of mimosa, two groups were included in the study being treated with extract at 250 mg/kg/day and acetate fraction of mimosa at 62 mg/kg/day, only. Extract of mimosa at concentrations of 62.5 and 125 mg decreased DNA damage in animals intoxicated with cadmium when compared to cadmium group. In a similar manner, treatment with ethyl acetate fraction of mimosa at 62.5 mg concentration in animals previously exposed to cadmium reduced genetic damage in peripheral blood cells. In a similar manner, the treatment with ethyl acetate fraction reduced DNA damage in liver cells. Oxidative DNA damage was reduced to animals exposed to cadmium and treated with 125 mg of extract as well as those intoxicated to cadmium and treated with 62.5 of acetate fraction of mimosa. Taken together, our results indicate that mimosa prevents genotoxicity induced by cadmium exposure in liver and peripheral blood cells of rats as a result of antioxidant activity.

ACTIVITY OF NATURAL PRODUCTS AGAINST SOME PHYTOPATHOGENIC FUNGI.

The requirement of environmental protection and food safety is perceived with always major interest by public opinion and it is consistent with European Union legislation on the sustainable use of pesticides (Directive 2009/128/EC). This directive requires member states to promote low pesticide-input, giving priority to non-chemical methods and low risk plant protection products. In order to contribute to the achievement of these objectives antifungal activity of natural substances, characterized by a good toxicological and ecotoxicological profile, was tested. Essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia, essential oil of Syzygium aromaticum and extract from Mimosa tenuiflora were tested against Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (races 1 and 2). In vitro tests involved determination of radial growth of the colonies of fungi in the presence of varying concentrations of tested products in agar media and determination of germination percentage in the presence of tested product at various concentrations. The products based on essential oil of M. alternifolia were also tested in vivo on tomato fruits wounded and artificially inoculated with A. alternata or with B. cinerea. The in vitro tests showed the antifungal activity of both essential oils instead the extract from M. tenuiflora exhibited poor antifungal activity and only against A. alternata and B. cinerea. The results on tomato fruits showed inhibition of grey mould and black mould by essential oil of M. alternifolia. The antifungal activity increased with increasing concentrations. In conclusion, the obtained results in the present study showed promising prospects for the utilisation of investigated products to reduce the using of antifungal chemicals and to achieve a more sustainable use of pesticides.