Antifungal Activity of Lonicera caprifolium Essential Oil against Selected Phytopathogenic Fungi and its Insecticidal Activity

Abstract

Honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium) essential oil is extensively used in aromatherapy to improve mood and well-being, along with several therapeutic health benefits. Honeysuckle essential oil is believed to possess various beneficial biological properties. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties make it a wonderful oil for the prevention of bacterial and fungal infections and for the relief of aching joints and sore muscles. In our work, the main objective was to monitor antifungal activity against plant pathogens and insecticidal activity. Among the microscopic filamentous fungi, Monilia fructigena, Fusarium solani, Botrytis cinerea, and Trichoderma harzianum were used for antimicrobial activity and Megabruchidius dorsalis for insecticidal activity. Fruit and vegetable models (apricot and radish) were used for in situ studies. For in vitro antifungal activity, it was found that Lonicera caprifolium essential oil was the most effective against Botrytis cinerea. On the fruit and vegetable model, the best antifungal activity was found against M. fructigena on both tested models. L. caprifolium essential oil proved to be a suitable antimycotic agent against phytopathogenic fungi and insecticidal agent against Megabruchidius dorsalis.

Keywords

• microscopic filamentous fungi
• insecticidal and antifungal potential
• in vitro and in situ condition
• lonicera caprifolium essential oil