ESSENTIAL OIL OF Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty AS AN INHIBITOR OF THE WOOD-DECAYING FUNGUS Rhodonia placenta AND THE TERMITE Coptotermes gestroi
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24278/rif.2026.38e979Abstract
The activity of termites and wood-decaying fungi represents a significant problem for the proper use of wood. In this study, the inhibitory activity of Chrysopogon zizanioides essential oils from Brazil and China was evaluated against the wood-decaying fungus Rhodonia placenta and the termite Coptotermes gestroi. In addition, the major chemical constituents of the oils were identified. Four concentrations of the oils 175; 87.5; 43.7 e 21.8 µL/mL were tested on mycelial development in BDA culture medium and 10, 25, 50, and 100 % on termite activity in Pinus wood samples. The results indicated that both oils exhibited inhibitory activity against the fungus and the termite. The Brazilian oil was more effective in inhibiting both xylophagous organisms compared to the Chinese oil, significantly reducing mycelial growth at concentrations of 175; 87.5 and 43.7 µL/mL and inhibiting termite activity at all concentrations. The Chinese oil did not significantly reduce fungal growth; however, for termites, the three highest concentrations completely inhibited their activity in Pinus wood. The Brazilian oil presented three sesquiterpenes khusimol, α-vetivone and nootkatone, as major compounds, whereas in the Chinese oil, isopropyl myristate, cis-thujopsene, and cedrol were detected. It is concluded that the essential oil of C. zizanioides, both Brazilian and Chinese, inhibited the fungus R. placenta and the termite C. gestroi, with the Brazilian oil being more efficient against both xylophagous organisms.
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