This study tested the antifungal properties of a new bioproduct obtained from proanthocyanidins extracted from grape seeds.
Project layout:
The bioproduct was extracted from grape seeds of the Fetească neagră variety.
- Grape seeds were extracted, dried, milled and defatted, in order to extract the phenolic compounds.
- The extraction of polymeric proanthocyanidins was done with ethanol.
- Antifungal activity of the bioproduct was determined in vitro by mycelial growth and spore germination inhibition.
- Assays were performed on three strains of Botrytis cinerea.
Results:
The product proved to have effective antifungal properties by inhibiting spore germination. This means that this bioproduct has the potential to be used as a natural fungicide for biological control of Botrytis.
This is only a laboratory study. Before a commercial product can be made available, field trials will be need to be done to optimise application methods and to test the persistence of the agents in the field. Then, a method to produce the biocontrol agents on a large scale needs to be developed.
Significance of the study:
Synthetic fungicides can lead to increased biological resistance in pathogen populations. The risk is lower with natural fungicides using bioactive compounds of plants. It is also considered to be more environmentally friendly which is an important factor, considering the increasing resistance from consumers against the use of chemicals in wine production.
Reference: Ancuța Nechita et al., In vitro Antifungal Activity of a New Bioproduct Obtained from Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins on Botrytis cinerea Mycelium and Spores. Not Bot Horti Agrobo, 2019, 47(1)
http://www.notulaebotanicae.ro/index.php/nbha/article/view/11367/8211
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