Ação do óleo essencial de Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry sobre as hifas de alguns fungos fitopatogênicos

Action of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry essential oil on the hyphae of some phytopathogenic fungi. Currently, the use of alternative methods to control diseases and pests in agriculture has been a recognized and necessary practice to minimize damages to the environment and public health. This study aimed to investigate the action of clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry) essential oil on the in vitro mycelial growth of the phytopathogenic fungi Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum and Macrophomina phaseolina. Analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry allowed the identification of eugenol (83.6%), eugenyl acetate (11.6%) and caryophyllene (4.2%). Microscopic evaluation of mycelia showed several morphological changes such as presence of vacuoles, cell content disorganization, decreased cell wall clearness, intense fragmentation and lower turgescence of hyphae. Clove essential oil showed fungicidal activity at 0.15% on the growth of R. solani, F. oxysporum and F. solani, but not for M. phaseolina. These results indicate favorable perspectives for future use of clove essential oil to control these phytopathogens in agriculture.