Background:

The genus Alternaria in safflower is naturally occurring and synthetic pesticides are commonly used. In substitution of these compounds the use natural compounds such as essential oils (for example terpene) are alternative possible as antifungal in Alternaria.

Objective:

To evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of an orange terpenes mix against Alternaria tenuissima isolated from safflower.

Methods:

The volatile composition of a terpene mixture was quantified with mass-coupled gas chromatography. The minimum inhibitory concentration and mean inhibitory concentration were calculated from the radial growth in A. tenuissima and its effect on spore germination and morphometric parameters was evaluated.

Results and conclusions:

A. tenuissima showed an incidence of 13.31±2.19 % in safflower seed. A composition of 96 % D-limonene in orange terpenes was determinate. Germination of A. tenuissima spores was inhibited at 538 ppm of terpenes. The orange terpenes can be an alternative for the control of A. tenuissima.