ASSESSMENT OF THE ANTIFUNGAL EFFECT OF THE ESSENTIAL OILS OF OCIMUM BASILICUM (BASIL) AND MENTHA X PIPERITA L (PEPPERMINT) AGAINST FUSARIUM SP.

The Fusarium spp. is recognized for its phytopathogenic capacity,especially in tropical regions, being one of the main threats to crops. This studyinvestigates natural alternatives to synthetic fungicides, highlighting the essential oilsof Basil and Mint. In in vitro assays, both oils showed significant inhibitory effects onfungal growth. Basil oil exhibited inhibition rates of 5.8%, 9.37%, and 4.29% atconcentrations of 1%, 50%, and 100%, respectively. Meanwhile, Mint oil showedrates of 0.78%, 7.8%, and 25.78% at the same concentrations. These results suggestthe potential of these oils as phytosanitary control agents, offering a promisingalternative for sustainable agriculture.