Inhibitory effect of nerol against Aspergillus niger on grapes through a membrane lesion mechanism

• Nerol displayed notable in vitro antifungal activity against A. niger.
• Practical efficacy of nerol was established as fumigant in grapes.
• The membrane permeability of A. niger are changed by nerol.
• The ergosterol synthesis and membrane integrity were affected by nerol.
• Nerol could be used as a potential source of eco-friendly preservative.

The antifungal activity of Nerol (NEL) was evaluated against Aspergillus niger, a known cause of grape spoilage, and possible modes of action were explored. The antifungal efficacy of NEL against A. niger has been proven in a dose-dependent manner through in vitro (mycelial growth and spore germination) and in vivo (grapes) tests. An obvious increase in the membrane permeability was detected through the determination of extracellular pH and conductivity. The damage in the cell membrane was measured by monitoring the influx of Propidium iodide (PI) using flow cytometry and was further verified through the inhibition of ergosterol synthesis in the cell membrane. NEL induced morphological changes, and the integrity of the A. niger fungal cells decreased with increasing NEL concentrations. A dose-dependent decrease in ergosterol production was also seen in A. niger cell membranes upon exposure to NEL. The mechanism-of-action study revealed that NEL activated a membrane-active mechanism that inhibits ergosterol synthesis and consequently compromised the membrane integrity of A. niger. As a result, the membrane permeability changes and causes cell death. The membrane lesion mechanism makes NEL a natural alternative to commercial fungicide for control of stored grape spoilage.