Chilcuague Against Agricultural Fungi: A Natural Alternative to Fungicides?

 Chilcuague Against Agricultural Fungi:

A Natural Alternative to Fungicides?

Source: Ramírez-Chávez et al., 2000. Agrociencia 34(2): 207–215
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In this pioneering study, Mexican scientists evaluated the fungicidal effect of the crude root extract of chilcuague (Heliopsis longipes) and its main active compound, affinine, against two phytopathogenic fungi: Sclerotium cepivorum and S. rolfsii. These fungi affect major crops such as garlic, onion, and tomato.

🔬 What did they find?

• At concentrations of 25 µg/mL, fungal growth was completely inhibited.

• The extract and affinine reduced levels of essential fatty acids and ergosterol in the fungus, altering its cell membrane.

• Affinine showed potency comparable to the full extract, but the latter seems to benefit from other compounds acting in synergy.

🌱 Why does it matter?

Synthetic fungicides are expensive, polluting, and generate resistance. This study opens the door to using chilcuague as a natural fungicide, with less environmental impact and potential for ecological control of agricultural diseases.