Evaluation of antifungal activity and Chemical Composition of the Phoenix dactylifera L. heart in southeast of Algeria

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and in vitro antifungal properties of hydroethanolic extracts derived from heart of data palm (Phoenix dactylifera.L). Specifically, it examined extracts from the heart palm of the Ouargla region (HPO) and the El M’Ghair region (HPM) for their effectiveness against phytopathogenic fungi isolated from post-harvest potato tubers, namely Fusarium proliferatum and Wickerhamomyces anomalus. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, with total phenolic compounds content ranging from 12.08 to 16.02 (mg GAE/g DW) and total flavonoid content between 6.47 and 11.36 (mg QE/g DW). Analysis by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS excessive percentages of extract's (HPO and HPM) identified ferulic acid , epicatechin, catechin, coumaric acids, salicylic acid. Antifungal activity, assessed using the direct contact method, revealed that both extracts exhibited potent efficacy, achieving complete inhibition (100%) of the tested fungal strains at concentrations of 16% and 20 %. These findings highlight the promising antifungal potential of these extracts against common phytopathogens that affect post-harvest potato tubers.