In vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of several Moroccan plants against Penicillium italicum, the causal agent of citrus blue mold

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of 50 plant species collected in different regions of southern Morocco against Penicillium italicum, the causal agent of citrus blue mold. The in vitro antifungal activity of plant powders was determined using the agar plate method. Our results showed that among the 50 plant species tested, the powders of Anvillea radiata and Thymus leptobotrys completely inhibited mycelial growth of P. italicum, at a concentration of 10% (w v−1). Furthermore, the powders of Asteriscus graveolens, Bubonium odorum, Ighermia pinifolia, Inula viscosa, Halimium umbellatum, Hammada scoparia, Rubus ulmifolius, Sanguisorba minor and Ceratonia siliqua were also effective against P. italicum with the inhibition of mycelial growth greater than 75%. The effect of plant aqueous extracts on spore germination varied significantly (P