Allelopathic effects have a wide range of action, at the genetic and biochemical level, favoring the germination and survival of plants and, often, helping as a phytosanitary strategy in reducing infections that generate loss in the agro-industrial sector. However, in addition to pesticides, metabolites of natural origin have been identified as an important tool in combating phytopathogenic microorganisms and, due to their symbiotic activities in the environment, growth promoters of several plant species. This study aims to assess the antimicrobial activity against Burkholderia cepacia, allelopathic, and phytotoxic potential of the (+)− usnic acid (UA).
Materials and Methods:
The experiments were conducted in laboratory conditions using the compound at different concentrations and the test organism were Solanum lycopersicum.
Results:
The compound at 12.5 μg/mL was able to reduce >90% of the evaluated bacterial population and any significant toxic effects were observed on the germination.
Conclusion:
In addition, at 25 μg/mL, the UA did not interfere in the fresh and dry weight of the tomato, corroborating the potential of this compound as a biocontroller, since it does not cause a pronounced phytotoxic effect, selectively assessing a pathogenic microorganism.
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