Antimicrobial Activity of Citrus reticulata Blanko Essential Oil against Plant Pathogen

The tangerine, or Citrus reticulata Blanco, is a citrus fruit that dates back several centuries and is valued for its many nutrients and bioactive compounds that can have medicinal effects. The tangerine is valued for its many biological properties, which include anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties in addition to its great taste. The many phytochemicals found in tangerines, such as organic acids, sugars and amino acids, as well as secondary metabolites including flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids and polyphenols, are responsible for these health benefits. The aim of this study is to assess the antibacterial efficacy of C. reticulata Blanco against specific plant pathogenic bacteria such as Xanthomonas arboricola CCM 1441, Pectobacterium carotovorum CCM 1008, Pseudomonas putida CCM 7156, Bacillus subtilis CCM 2217, Priestia (Bacillus) megaterium CCM 2007. In our investigation, two approaches were used to measure antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial activity of the investigated bacterial strains was compared using the disc diffusion method under in vitro conditions and their antibiotic resistance was also evaluated. The antimicrobial activity under in situ conditions was a species approach applied to the surface of carrots. The essential oil of C. reticulata Blanco was found to have the strongest in vitro antibacterial activity against P. megaterium. In addition, in situ monitoring of the antimicrobial activity was carried out, with the highest results obtained against P. megaterium at a concentration of 125 µg/L. According to the present investigation, C. reticulata Blanco essential oil significantly inhibited the growth of various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.