Évaluation de l’activité antifongique de l’extrait de Pistacia lentiscus contre Fusarium oxysporum, agent causal de Fusariose chez la Tomate.

Abstract

This final-year dissertation, conducted at Abdelhamid Ibn Badis University of Mostaganem, evaluated the antifungal potential of the essential oil of mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus) against Fusarium oxysporum, the causal agent of tomato vascular wilt. In response to the limitations of chemical fungicides, including environmental pollution and the development of resistant pathogen strains, this study investigated a biological alternative based on the antimicrobial properties of this Mediterranean plant. The in vitro assays revealed a strictly dose-dependent antifungal activity, with the pure essential oil inhibiting 77.4% of mycelial growth, a result comparable to that obtained with the reference fungicide. In inoculated tomato plants, the 50% concentration proved to be the optimal dose, providing effective disease control while maintaining plant health. In contrast, the pure essential oil, although highly effective against the pathogen, caused severe phytotoxic effects. Regarding postharvest preservation, the combination of 100% essential oil treatment and refrigerated storage at 4°C significantly reduced fruit decay and weight loss. Overall, the findings demonstrate that mastic tree essential oil represents a promising and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides and could be integrated into sustainable tomato crop protection strategies.