Etude de l’activité antifongique de l’huile essentielle de Calamintha nepeta vis-à-vis des champignons phytopathogènes: Phoma sp., Fusarium sp.,et Alternaria sp.

Abstract

The presence of phytopathogenic fungi is a threat to agricultural production, leading to yield and quality losses in crops such as potatoes and tomatoes. Synthetic pesticides are often used to control these fungal diseases, but they are responsible for causing environmental damage and long-term resistance. The search for sustainable alternatives is therefore crucial, and aromatic plants such as wild mint offer a promising source of natural antifungal agents. The study begins by exploring the properties of Calamintha nepeta and its extracts, highlighting the bioactive compounds potentially responsible for antifungal activity. The extraction methods used are detailed, including techniques such as hydrodistillation extraction to obtain the concentrated oil. Evaluation of the antifungal activity of extracts is carried out both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro tests included determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against isolates of Phoma sp., Fusarium sp., and reducing efficacy against Alternaria sp. In vivo the tests were carried out by applying the extracts to host plants, enabling us to measure the efficacy of the treatments in reducing fungal disease symptoms and suppressing the pathogen load. Finally, the results obtained show that the essential oil of Calamintha nepeta remarkably inhibits the mycelial growth of the three fungi in vitro.