THESIS & RESEARCHES

Evaluation of essential oils for the management of Verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae Kleb.) under controlled conditions
Year:
2022
Author:
Mekonnen Melkamu
Verticillium wilt (V.dahliae Kleb.) is a serious biotic threat to a wide range of economically important crops. Since the banning of soil fumigants, the management of Verticillium wilt relies on IPM strategies. This study investigated the antifungal activities of thyme, oregano, sage, and rosemary essential oils both in vivo and in vitro against V. dahliae. The result of the in vitro study demonstrated that 3% concentrations of thyme and oregano essential oils are effective (100%) in controlling the mycelial growth of V. dahliae after five and seven days of incubation. 3% concentration of thyme and oregano essential oils were also effective in reducing the conidial germination of V. dahliae by 77.8% and 74.5%, respectively. The results of the in vivo study demonstrated that thyme and oregano essential oils were effective in reducing disease severity in olives, eggplant, and tomato. Thyme essential oil reduced the disease severity of V.dahliae by 50%, 46.5%, and 28% in tomato, olive, and eggplant, respectively whereas oregano essential oil reduced the disease severity of V.dahliae by 46.7%, 32.7%, and 20% in tomato, olives, and eggplant, respectively. Therefore, oregano and thyme essential oils could be used as natural fungicides for the management of V. dahlia.
Supervisor:
F. Nigro and M. Gallo; advisor: F. Valentini
Collaboration:
CIHEAM