Effect of Punica granatum L. peel extract on phytopathogenic bacteria

Abstract

Pathogens, animals and weeds, among the biotic factors, cause yield losses between 20 to 40% in agricultural production. Therefore, much research has focused on minimizing these product losses and improving product yield. Mainly, synthetic agents and antibiotics have been used for a long time against plant pathogenic bacteria. But there is a search for alternative natural compounds because of undesirable effects on the environment. For this purpose, in this study, the pomegranate peels extract was prepared in different concentrations (600-100 µg/mL) and evaluated against plant pathogenic bacteria (Pectobacterium atrosepticum, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, Pseudomonas corrugate, Pseudomonas mediterranea, Rhizobium radiobacter, and Xanthomonas campestris). According to the results, the antibacterial effect of pomegranate peel extract was observed for P. mediterranea, P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, and R. radiobacter. The largest zone diameter (10.4 mm) and lowest MIC value (100 µg/mL) were observed against P. mediterranea. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that pomegranate peel extracts is effective against some phytopathogenic bacteria. Also, according to the study results, it is deduced that waste materials can be used as an alternative to synthetic drugs and thus, prevent toxic substance pollution with completely organic waste.