Antifungal activity of essential oils of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and/or mustard (Brassica nigra) in vapor phase against gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) in strawberries

The search for new alternatives to preserve foods is a growing research field that is of great interest to the food industry. In this study, the inhibitory effect of clove and/or mustard essential oils in vapor phase was evaluated in vitro and in vivo (strawberries) against Botrytis cinerea, a mold highly detrimental to fruits and vegetables. In vitro and in vivo minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for clove essential oil was 92.56 μL/L_air, while for mustard, essential oil was 15.42 μL/L_air. As for the combination of tested essential oils the MIC was 46.28 μL/L_air of clove essential oil and 1.93 μL/L_air of mustard essential oil for the in vitro tests, while 11.57 μL/L_air of clove essential oil and 1.93 μL/L_air of mustard essential oil for the in vivo tests. Furthermore, the observed inhibitory effect is due to a synergism of tested essential oils in most of the assessed combinations.Industrial relevanceEffectiveness of vapors of clove and/or mustard essential oils against B. cinerea was demonstrated. The inhibitory activity exhibited by essential oils vapors can be attributed to the major compounds identified in clove and mustard essential oils, inhibiting B. cinerea growth in vitro and in vivo (strawberries). Combinations of clove and mustard essential oils had a synergistic antifungal effect, confirming that the combined use of volatile compounds from essential oils is more effective than its individual application.