In vitro Antibacterial Activity of Four Essential Oils on Xanthomonas sp., Responsible of the Bacteriosis of the Cashew Tree

Abstract

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.), an important crop in Côte d'Ivoire is prone to many diseases, one of the most redoutable of which is bacteriosis caused by Xanthomonas sp. To limit the use of pesticides in the fight against this bacteriosis, an alternative solution based on the use of essential oils has been evaluated. Antibacterial tests were carried out in vitro with the essential oils of Eucalyptus citriodora, Cymbopogon citratus, Citrus limon, NECO (formulation based on the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum) and a synthetic pesticide, the callicuivre. The smallest MICs (10 ppm and 60 ppm respectively) were obtained with NECO and the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus. The highest antibacterial activities were obtained with the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus and NECO biopesticide. at the dose of 4000 ppm (for inhibition diameters of 20.67mm and 27.33mm respectively). NECO and the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus could be used as an alternative to the synthetic product in the fight against bacteriosis of cashew.