Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology, cilt.136, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Fungal infections, particularly those caused by Botrytis cinerea, pose significant challenges to grape production worldwide, leading to substantial economic losses and reduced fruit quality. While conventional fungicides remain widely used, growing concerns about environmental impact and fungicide resistance have intensified the search for natural alternatives. Essential oil compounds (EOCs) have emerged as promising candidates for sustainable disease management. This study investigated the protective effects of thymol, eugenol, and 1,8-cineole on “Narince” grapes challenged by B. cinerea infection. The study revealed that essential oil combinations significantly reduced oxidative stress in B. cinerea-infected “Narince” grapes, with MDA (Malondialdehyde) levels decreasing up to 41.3 % compared to the control group. The TOS (Thymol + Eugenol+1.8-Cineole) combination demonstrated a remarkable 467 % increase in CAT (catalase) enzyme activity, while the Thymol (T) and 1,8-cineole (S) combination effectively mitigated oxidative stress by reducing POD (peroxidase) activity by approximately 26 % and regulating SOD (superoxide dismutase), MDA activity. The treatments effectively restored mineral content (particularly Potassium (K), Phosphorus (P), Nitrogen (N), Calcium (Ca) that was depleted by fungal infection. Moreover, EOCs applications led to substantial increases in anthocyanin content, especially malvidin-3-O-glucoside and petunidin-3-O-glucoside, along with elevated levels of phenolic compounds including gallic, vanillic, and trans-p-coumaric acid. These findings reveal that EOCs strengthen grape defense mechanisms against B. cinerea through multiple pathways: reducing oxidative stress, preserving mineral content, and enhancing beneficial compound accumulation. Our study provides valuable insights into the development of sustainable disease management strategies in viticulture, offering a promising alternative to conventional fungicides. The demonstrated efficacy of these natural compounds in protecting grape quality and health suggests their potential for integration into modern vineyard management practices, particularly in regions where fungicide resistance or environmental concerns are paramount.