The Antifungal Effect of Pyroligneous Acid on the Phytopathogenic Fungus Botrytis cinerea

In recent years, climate change has intensified harsh periods of rain alternating with periods of drought, leading to an increase in the presence of phytopathogenic fungi. In this study, we want to analyse the antifungal properties of pyroligneous acid against the fungal phytopathogen Botrytis cinerea. Through the inhibition test, we observed that the application of different dilutions of pyroligneous acid rarefied the growth of the fungal mycelium. Furthermore, we have seen through the metabolic profile that B. cinerea is not able to use pyroligneous acid as a resource or even grow in close contact with this resource. Moreover, we observed that the pre-incubation of the fungus in pyroligneous acid leads to a reduction in biomass production. These results give us hope for the possible use of this natural substance as a possible substance to protect plantations from pathogen attacks.

Automated summary

In recent years, climate change has led to increased presence of phytopathogenic fungi due to the intensified harsh periods of rain and drought. In this study, the antifungal properties of pyroligneous acid against Botrytis cinerea were analyzed. Through inhibition tests, it was observed that different dilutions of pyroligneous acid inhibited the growth of the fungal mycelium. Metabolic profile analyses revealed that B. cinerea was unable to utilize pyroligneous acid as a resource or grow in close contact with it. Furthermore, pre-incubation of the fungus in pyroligneous acid resulted in reduced biomass production. These findings suggest the potential use of pyroligneous acid as a natural substance for protecting plantations from pathogen attacks.