Plant extracts as biocontrol agents against Aspergillus carbonarius growth and ochratoxin A production in grapes

Aspergillus carbonarius (Bainier) Thom. is an important pathogen and ochratoxin A (OTA) producer in grapes that can be controlled by adopting sustainable approaches. Here we evaluate the application of natural plant extracts as an alternative to synthetic fungicides to reduce OTA contamination and to prevent infection of grapes by two isolates of A. carbonarius. In a preliminary screening, natural extracts of chestnut flower, cistus, eucalyptus, fennel, and orange peel were evaluated for their antifungal and anti-mycotoxigenic efficiency in a grape-based medium at concentrations of 10 and 20 mg/mL. Cistus and orange peel extracts demonstrated the best antifungal activity at both concentrations. Although the eucalyptus extract demonstrated no significant effect on Aspergillus vegetative growth, it significantly reduced OTA by up to 85.75 % at 10 mg/mL compared to the control. Chestnut flower, cistus, eucalyptus, and orange peel extracts were then tested at the lowest concentration (10 mg/mL) for their antifungal activity in artificially inoculated grape berries. The cistus and orange peel extracts demonstrated the greatest antifungal activity and significantly reduced mold symptoms in grapes. Moreover, all tested natural extracts were able to reduce OTA content in grape berries (17.7 +/- 8.3 % - 82.3 +/- 3.85 % inhibition), although not always significantly. Eucalyptus extract was particularly efficient, inhibiting OTA production by both strains of A. carbonarius by up to >80 % with no effects on fungal growth. The use of natural eucalyptus extract represents a feasible strategy to reduce OTA formation without disrupting fungal growth, apparently maintaining the natural microbial balance, while cistus and orange peel extracts appear promising as inhibitors of A. carbonarius mycelial growth. Our findings suggest that plant extracts may be useful sources of bioactive chemicals for preventing A. carbonarius contamination and OTA production. Nonetheless, it will be necessary to evaluate their effect on the organoleptic properties of the grapes.