Plant extract as a strategy for the management of seed pathogens: a critical review

Abstract

Seeds associated to fungal pathogens are efficient vehicles for disease dissemination in the field. Such pathogens affect the seed quality and longevity, causing a decrease or loss of germination, discoloration, necrosis, and decay, in addition to leading to the production of mycotoxins in some pathosystems. To control them several synthetic chemicals are used. Nevertheless, the use of synthetic chemicals poses a risk to human health and the environment. Therefore, there is a growing demand for the use of alternative methods for the treatment of seeds, such as plant extracts. This review evaluated the use and efficacy of plant extracts for the control of fungal pathogens associated to seeds. Some control methods are used in seed treatment, plant extracts stand out due to the secondary metabolic in their constitution, which inhibit pathogen growth. The literature review showed that 100% of the studies reported that plant extracts were efficient to control the different pathogens evaluated, 63% stated an increase in seed germination, 21% reported no change in germination, 5% mentioned negative interference, and 11% did not evaluate the use of plant extracts. The aqueous extracts were used as extractors in 72% of the studies. Plant extracts were reported as promising to replace synthetic fungicides in 33% of the studies; however, 67% did not compare their use. Nevertheless, efficient extraction methods are required, considering low persistence and volatilization of plant extracts in the field. Plant extracts are efficient to control fungal pathogens.

Alternatives and low-cost strategies to control of pathogens in bean seeds: a review

“…The methodology used in the research is a narrative literature review like those performed by Almeida et al (2021), Souza et al (2022) e Samreen et al (2021). The contents were observed in which the following search platforms were used: SciELO, ScienceDirect, Elsevier, PubMed, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, and CAPES Periodical.…”

“…It is known that chemical control, especially the use of systemic fungicides, is the most used to control seed and plant diseases (Oerke 2006;Udayashankar et al 2012;Ranatunga 2013), but natural control methods or alternatives are also crucial in the control of these diseases, especially in terms of gaining space in the face of changes in public perceptions about the negative impacts of synthetic chemicals such as resistance gain, environmental damage and high cost (El-gali 2018;Silva et al 2019;Almeida et al 2021). From these disadvantages, antimicrobial characteristics have been sought in plants with intensified increase (Pushpavathi et al 2017).…”

“…Therefore, the scientific perception becomes evident, which is also focused on using sustainable and low-cost technologies, enabling agriculture that is less aggressive to the environment and guarantees better food security. It is pertinent to emphasize that these alternative treatments are essential for organic agriculture and that their use is promising (Spadaro et al 2017;Pushpavathi et al 2017;Pérez-Pizá et al 2019;Almeida et al 2021), as there are few options to reduce seed-borne pathogens (Wolf et al 2008).…”

Applying of Plants to Regulate Mycobiota of Winter Wheat Seeds

“…An analysis of scientific studies on the effectiveness of plant extracts against seed fungi of various crops showed 100 percent inhibition of phytopathogens, with most researchers using aqueous plant extracts (Almeida et al, 2021).…”