Antifungal activity of some Moroccan plants against Geotrichum candidum, the causal agent of postharvest citrus sour rot

The powders and aqueous extracts of 43 plant species, harvested in different regions of southern Morocco, were screened for their in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity against Geotrichum candidum, the cause of citrus sour rot. Our results show that among the 43 plants tested, the powders of Rubus ulmifolius, Ceratonia siliqua, Cistus monspeliensis and Halimium umbellatum plants totally inhibited mycelial growth of G. candidum. Furthermore, the powders of Cistus villosus, Pistacia atlantica, Halimium antiatlanticum, Inula viscosa, Ighermia pinifolia and Hammada scoparia plants are also effective against G. candidum with a percent of inhibition of mycelial growth higher than 80%. The effect of plant aqueous extracts on spore germination varied significantly (P