Effect of essential oil from Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi residues on the control of banana anthracnose

This study evaluates the chemical profile, physicochemical stability, and antifungal potential of the essential oil extracted from Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi residues (EOStR) against banana anthracnose, using a confirmed Colletotrichum musae isolate in the in vitro assays. Hydrodistillation yielded 6% ± 1 (m m−1) of EOStR, mainly composed of δ-3-carene (28.1%), limonene (22.5%), and α-phellandrene (17.1%), with hydrogenated monoterpenes representing over 93% of the oil. A stable microemulsion containing 10% EOStR was formulated, showing no phase separation, predictable colloidal rearrangements, and stable pH during storage. In vitro assays revealed strong inhibition of conidial germination (IC50 = 14.17 μL mL−1; IC90 = 20.26 μL mL−1) and mycelial growth (IC50 = 29 μL mL−1; IC90 = 57 μL mL−1), comparable to thiabendazole. In vivo assays confirmed effective postharvest control, delaying disease onset, reducing AUIPC (up to 83.5%) and AUDPC (up to 97%), and extending fruit shelf life. EOStR is thus a promising natural alternative for anthracnose management.