In vitro fungicidal activity of Tunisian essences extracts against Coriolus versicolor and Coniophora puteana

IRG/WP 14-20544

L Lajnef, N Ayed, B Charrier

Bark of six Tunisian species including cork oak (Quercus suber L.), eucalyptus camaldulensis, alder (Alnus glutinosa), Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), nut pine (Pinus pinea) and Chelfi pomegranates (Punica granatum) were tested against two rot-fungi: Coriolus Versicolor (for leafy trees) and Coniophora Puteana (for conifers) according to an adaptation of the European guidelines (NF EN 113, 1986). Five concentrations from 0 to 5 % (g bark sawdust per g culture medium) were tested for each species. Results showed that for the concentration range tested, no Coriolus Versicolor’s radial growth inhibition was observed in the presence of cork oak, eucalyptus camaldulensis and alder glutinosa. Besides, an antifungic activity was obtained in the presence of Aleppo pine and nut pine where Coniophora Puteana’s radial growths were about 87 % and 59% respectively at the end of the fungal essays. Comparing to other species tested, an important antifungic activity of pomegranate’s sawdust was obtained, where Coriolus Versicolor’s radial growth was only about 12% at a concentration of 5%. This activity is related to phenolic compounds concentration, where pomegranate barks are the richest in phenolic molecules in comparison with other species. This result is confirmed by the total polyphenols determination by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent of pomegranates barks extracted with hot water (260.86 ± 3.30 mg GAE/ g DW). HPLC-DAD analysis of the aqueous extract, allowed the characterization of polyphenolic molecules and it seems that punicalagin B, and ellagic acid, which are the major phenolic compounds (1.51 % and 6.59 % respectively), may have an important roles in antifungal properties. Chelfi Pomegranate barks can be considered as a potential raw material and its phenolic aqueous extract could be tested for wood preservation as a green alternative towards synthetic antifungic molecules.


Keywords: antifungic, Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, HPLC-DAD, punicalagin B, ellagic acid, wood preservation

Conference: 14-05-11/15 St George, Utah, USA


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