Determination of the antibacterial effect of rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) oil on watermelon bacterial fruit spot (Acidovorax citrulli) and its impact on watermelon seed applications

AbstractRose oil, a natural product with a long history in cosmetics, has potent antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiparasitic, and antibacterial properties. A study was conducted using rose oil obtained from roses grown in the Isparta province of Turkey. The oil was extracted using the Clevenger hydrodistillation method and analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass Selective Detector (GC-MSD). The study investigated the antibacterial effects of different concentrations of rose oil (1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 100 ppm) against the watermelon bacterial fruit spot agent Acidovorax citrulli (Ac) using in vitro both the paper disk diffusion and the volatile effect methods. Thyme oil (Thymbra spicata) (100 ppm) and the antibiotic streptomycin (100 ppm) were also tested for comparison. Watermelon seeds were treated with various doses of rose oil. The study found that 50 ppm was the most effective dose in vitro and completely prevented the development of Ac in watermelon seeds. Additionally, it was found that 50 ppm of rose oil did not negatively affect the germination of watermelon seeds. Analysis of the rose oil contents confirmed that citronellol and geraniol, the main ingredients of rose oil, contribute to its antibacterial effect against Ac. In conclusion, the study suggests that rose oil has the potential to be used as a natural seed protectant against the seed-borne bacterial pathogen Ac.