Tag Archives: phytopathogenic fungi

291–305 G.D. Manguana, M.H.C. Araújo, M.H.P. Martínez, L.L. Manhique, M.C. Souza, M.A.B. Mainato, E.C. Silva, H.F. Silva, P. Domingues and L.C. Nascimento
Antifungal effect of essential oils against phytopathogens: Global overview and structure of action mechanisms
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Antifungal effect of essential oils against phytopathogens: Global overview and structure of action mechanisms

G.D. Manguana*, M.H.C. Araújo, M.H.P. Martínez, L.L. Manhique, M.C. Souza, M.A.B. Mainato, E.C. Silva, H.F. Silva, P. Domingues and L.C. Nascimento

Federal University of Paraíba, Department of Phytotechnics and Environmental Sciences of the Center for Agricultural Sciences of UFPB, Phytopathology Laboratory, Campus II, Areia – PB, Brazil
*Correspondence: georginadavidcumbe@gmail.com

Abstract:

The increasing resistance to synthetic fungicides and the demand for sustainable agricultural practices have bolstered interest in essential oils (EOs) as antifungal alternatives. However, the lack of an integrated view regarding the evolution and conceptual foci of this field limits strategic advancement. This study maps global research on the mechanisms of action of EOs against phytopathogenic fungi, aiming to guide future investigations towards the development of safe biopesticides. A systematic and bibliometric analysis of 73 documents (2005–2025) from the Web of Science and Scopus databases was conducted. The approach integrated Lotka’s, Bradford’s, and Zipf’s laws, alongside conceptual mapping across four central dimensions: scientific growth, authorship structure, editorial organisation, and conceptual pillars. The results indicate that the field is in a phase of accelerated scientific emergence, characterised by a 14.5% annual growth rate and high citation impact per document. Authorship analysis revealed a strong concentration of specialists, indicating a high degree of specialisation; similarly, the editorial structure proved consolidated within specific journals. Although the term “antifungal activity” predominates, emerging strategic niches were identified, particularly those related to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and biophysical interactions with the cell membrane. International collaboration was observed to be the primary predictor of scientific impact. It is concluded that essential oil (EO) research is at an inflection point, requiring a transition from predominantly phenotypic approaches to in-depth molecular and mechanistic investigations. Diversifying collaboration networks and investing in emerging conceptual niches are essential to consolidating EOs as viable tools for plant protection.

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175–186 D. Kyselov and S. Kalenska
Species composition and population structure of phytopathogenic fungi in sugar beet agrocenoses of short-rotation crop rotations in the western forest-steppe of Ukraine
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Species composition and population structure of phytopathogenic fungi in sugar beet agrocenoses of short-rotation crop rotations in the western forest-steppe of Ukraine

D. Kyselov¹* and S. Kalenska²

¹Private Enterprise “Zakhidnyi Buh”, 39 Yunosti Avenue, Pavliv village, Sheptytskyi District, UA80250 Lviv Region, Ukraine
²National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, 15 Heroiv Oborony street, UA03041 Kyiv, Ukraine
*Correspondence: dmytro.kyselov@zahbug.com.ua

Abstract:

This study analyzed the species composition and population structure of phytopathogenic fungi in short-rotation sugar beet agrocenoses of the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Based on 150 samples (90 roots and 60 rhizosphere soil samples) collected from fields of PE “Zakhidnyi Buh”, a total of 240 fungal isolates were identified. The dominant taxa included Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, Phoma betae, Rhizoctonia solani, and Botrytis cinerea, accounting for more than 90% of the rhizosphere mycobiota. The genus Fusarium was the most abundant (48 ± 3.5%), forming a stable infectious core of the agroecosystem. Short-rotation crop sequences (wheat-soybean-beet and maize-soybean-beet) were found to increase the isolation frequency of F. oxysporum by 25–30% and Phoma betae by 18–22% compared with other systems, while the share of Rhizoctonia solani in rotations with maize reached 16%. Soil type significantly influenced the species profile: F. oxysporum predominated in calcareous sandy soils (≈35%), whereas F. solani and P. betae were dominant in chernozems. Morphological variability of Fusarium isolates (pigmentation and sporulation level of 2.5×10⁵–1.8×10⁶ spores mL⁻¹) indicated high adaptability and potential for the formation of virulent races. Ecological analysis revealed a low alpha-diversity level (H′ = 1.13–1.32) and a high dominance index (D = 0.42–0.51), indicating structural simplification and increased pathogen specialization. Three functional fungal groups were distinguished – primary pathogens (Fusarium spp.), opportunists (Phoma betae), and necrotrophs (Rhizoctonia, Botrytis) – which form a hierarchical model of the parasitic complex. The results confirm the cumulative effect of short crop rotations and demonstrate the necessity of integrating biocontrol agents (Trichoderma, Gliocladium) and ecological soil sanitation measures to restore microbial balance and reduce infection pressure in short-rotation systems of the Western Forest-Steppe.

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