Effects of plant essential oils and components from Oriental sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis) on growth and morphogenesis of three phytopathogenic fungi

Commercial plant essential oils obtained from 40 plant species were tested for their antifungal activity against Phytophthora cactorum, Cryphonectria parasitica, and Fusarium circinatum. Strong antifungal activity against Phytophthora cactorum was achieved with the essential oil derived from Oriental sweetgum, Liquidambar orientalis at 28 × 10−3 mg/mL air concentration. In a test with C. parasitica, inhibition rate of patchouli was 51.0%, whereas the other essential oils showed weak activity. Essential oils of manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and patchouli (Pagostemon patchouli) showed moderate activity against F. circinatum. Analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry led to identification of 11 compounds in the oil of L. orientalis. The antifungal activity of identified compounds was tested singularly by using standard or synthesized compounds. Inhibition rates of cinnamyl aldehyde and benzaldehyde were 100% against P. cactorum at 28 × 10−3 mg/mL air concentration. There was a significant morphological alternation in three phytopathogenic fungi after oil or compound treatment.