Fungi are among the main responsible for damage and loss in various foods. They have the ability to produce secondary metabolites when subjected to ideal conditions, known as mycotoxins, highly toxic substances that can contaminate products intended for both human and animal food causing damage to health. The control of these fungi has been done through synthetic substances, which are harmful to man and the environment. Thus, it is necessary to search for alternative methods of controlling these microorganisms. In this context, essential oils are a possible option. The objective of this study was to identify the main components and evaluate the effectiveness of the essential oil of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) for controlling the fungus Aspergillus flavus. Initially, the effect of essential oils on mycelial growth of the fungus was verified in in vitro tests at doses of: 0.8; 1.6; 3.2; 6.4; 12.8; 15; 17.5; 20; 22.5 and 25 µL/mL, this being the dose with the greatest fungal control. Based on the results of the in vitro tests, serial microdilution was performed in microplates to find the minimum inhibitory concentration, which was 25 µL/mL. The results showed that the essential oil showed fungicidal potential on A. flavus. The main components of the essential oil, identified by gas chromatography, in order of concentration, were: 1,8-cineol, camphor and β-pinene.

Fungi are one of the main food spoilage agents. Numerous species when subjected to stress conditions produce secondary metabolites known as mycotoxins, which are mutagenic and carcinogenic substances. The fungus Aspergillus flavus is one of the main contaminants of grains and is known to produce Aflatoxin. Pesticides are used in agriculture to contain fungi and other pests, but they harm other species, the environment and the human health, in addition to the development of resistance to these substances in pest species. Natural alternatives have been sought to control these organisms. In this context, essential oils are a viable option against A. flavus. The aim of this study was to identify the main components and evaluate the effectiveness of lemongrass essential oil (Cymbopogon flexuosus) for controlling the fungus Aspergillus flavus. Initially, the effect of essential oil on mycelial growth of the fungus was assessed by in vitro tests at the doses: 0.05; 0.1; 0.2; 0.4; 0.6; 0.8; 1.6; 3.2; 6.4; and 12.8 μL mL-1. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 0.8 μL mL-1. The in vivo test was performed at the following concentrations: 0.6; 0.8; and 1.6 μL mL-1. The results showed that the essential oil has fungicidal potential against A. flavus. The main component of the essential oil was citral.

O presente estudo foi realizado na ARIE da Floresta da Cicuta, Barra Mansa e Volta Redonda (RJ). Teve como objetivo determinar e avaliar o potencial de gestão e a Capacidade de Carga Turística da Trilha Principal da ARIE dessa UC, gerando um valor estimado do número de visitantes por dia, complementando o Plano de Manejo da referida ARIE. Para a determinação de capacidade de carga turística da trilha principal da ARIE foi aplicado o método proposto por Cifuentes (1992). O presente estudo demonstrou que a trilha está, relativamente, bem alinhada com o SNUC. A Capacidade de Carga Efetiva encontrada para a trilha foi de 208 visitas x dia-1. Esse estudo poderá contribuir com o processo de atualização do Plano de Manejo da ARIE, sendo complementado com outros estudos.

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