Screening of plant-derived antifungal substances useful for the control of seedborne pathogens.

The effect of plant essential oils,Solanum chilenseandAster sedifoliusraw saponins, plant-derived colourants andBrassica carinataglucosinolate-containing tissues, for the control of seedborne fungiAlternaria dauci,Alternaria radicina,Colletotrichum lindemuthianumandAscochyta rabiei, was evaluated.In vitroassays indicated that oregano essential oil, bark chestnut-derived colourant andB. carinatameals, showed a large spectrum of activity against all pathogens.S. chilenseraw saponins were effective againstA. dauciandA. radicina, while those fromA. sedifoliusalso inhibited significantlyC. lindemuthianum. Screening showed the antifungal potential of natural compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]