The in vitro control of Fusarium proliferatum by propolis ethanolic extracts

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the in vitro activity against Fusarium proliferatum, chemical characteristics, and antioxidant potential of eight propolis ethanolic extracts (PEE) from Brazil-six from the northern region of the state of Mato Grosso (PEE-1 to PEE-4, PEE-6, and PEE-7), one from the state of Bahia (PEE-5), and the green propolis from Minas Gerais state (PEE-8). The percentage of mycelial growth inhibition (PMGI), and macroconidia and microconidia sporulation of Fusarium proliferatum of these PEEs were evaluated and compared with that of the control (ethanol 70%). The 2% concentrations of PEE-4 to PEE-8 showed significant PMGI in relation to the control. PEE-8 at 2% stood out with the highest PMGI of Fusarium proliferatum and highest antioxidant potential. Among the PEEs that exhibited a significant antifungal action, PEE-8 and PEE-4 presented the highest total flavonoid content and PEE-6 stood out with the highest total phenolic content. Except PEE-1, all the extracts tested showed a reduction of more than 70% in the sporulation of macroconidia PEE-4 and PEE-8 presented predominance of quercetin and kaempferol flavonoids and PEE-6 of caffeic acid. Therefore, the presence of these antioxidant compounds may have contributed to the antifungal activity of these extracts.