The Inhibiting Impact of Extracts of medicinal plants as natural fungicide on the Growth of Phytopathogenic fungi

Phytopathogenic and mycotoxigenic filamentous fungi pose significant challenges in agriculture, contributing to plant diseases, reduced crop yields, and the production of harmful mycotoxins. The impact of these fungi extends beyond economic losses, as they can affect food safety and pose health risks to humans and animals through contaminated food sources. The European Union regulates several hazardous mycotoxins in the agricultural and food sectors, including trichothecenes (such as deoxynivalenol), fumonisins, aflatoxins, and ochratoxin. These mycotoxins are primarily generated by three fungal genera: Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. Various strategies have been employed to prevent and control the growth of these harmful fungi, which cause plant diseases and produce toxic metabolites. However, many of these techniques rely on chemical substances that pose risks to human health, animal welfare, and the environment. In the context of sustainable development, biological control strategies have been proposed as a more environmentally friendly alternative to address this issue with a particular emphasis on ecofriendly approaches.