Anti-phytopathogenic potential of resinous exudates from plants of the genus Adesmia, Balsamicae series

Filamentous fungi, such as Monilinia fructicola and Botrytis cinerea , are challenging phytopathogens responsible for brown and gray rot in postharvest fruits, respectively. These fungi decrease marketability and cause economic losses estimated in millions of dollars [ 1 ]. There is a growing interest in finding non-toxic, nature-based alternatives, and resinous exudates from plants have a promising and unexplored potential. Plants of the genus Adesmia , Balsamicae series, are known for their ethnopharmacological value and their abundant resin, which protects the plant against biotic and abiotic stress, acting as an antidesiccant, and defending it against microorganisms [ 2 ]. These natural products are valued for their high yield, easy extraction, and minimal solvent use, making them attractive for the agricultural industry. This study aimed to determine the composition of resinous exudates from three Adesmia species (AR, AM and AV) and their antifungal properties against M. fructicola and B. cinerea . Results showed that, although they were different in composition, the exudates are rich in chalcones and other products from the shikimic acid pathway. Antifungal activity is illustrated in [ Fig. 1 ]; AM showed a mean effective concentration (EC50) of 19.71+0.25 μg/mL in M. fructicola , followed by AR (33.72+2.48 μg/mL). For B. cinerea , AR achieved 100% conidial inhibition with an EC50 value of 60.64+0.57 μg/mL, making it the most effective treatment. These findings suggest that resinous exudates have potential applications in controlling postharvest phytopathogens on agroindustry. Fig. 1 Effects of resinous exudates (AR, AM and AV) and positive control BC-1000 ®​ (C+) on mycelial growth of M. fructicola and B. cinerea . Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany