Reduction of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus titres in citrus seedlings via root-drenching application of bio-based nanoemulsions


Publication

Citation
Bergamo et al. (2026). Frontiers in Agronomy 8
Names (1)
Abstract
Huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the most devastating diseases of citrus nowadays. The etiological agent is a fastidious and non-culturable bacterium known as Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus ( C Las). C Las is a phloem-restricted pathogen, which makes the efficient delivery of antimicrobial compounds to control it a major challenge for citriculture. Therefore, the development of formulations capable of penetrating plant barriers and reducing the bacterial population within the phloem is critical for the control of HLB. Here we report on the development of a novel formulation loaded with oregano essential oil, hexyl gallate and eugenol, described in the literature as a transdermal permeation enhancer. The most effective formula was selected in vitro against bacterial surrogates ( Rhizobium tropici and Rhizobium phaseoli ), displaying bactericidal concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5% (v/v), respectively, of bactericidal concentration. The selected formulation was characterized as a near-Newtonian fluid, with 98.5% of particles measuring around 50 nm, a Polydispersity Index of 0.31, and zeta potential of -17.5 mV. Furthermore, Scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of nanoparticles, alongside microscopic aggregates. The formulation maintained its bactericidal activity over 120-day storage period. During the root-drenching assays, the formulation significantly reduced overall C Las titres by 1.29 and 2.46 log 10 over a period of 300 days, in two independent experiments. Furthermore, ecotoxicological assessments revealed no acute toxicity in Tenebrio molitor or significant effects in the survival of Melipona scutellaris under the tested conditions. Our findings demonstrate the potential of this non-synthetic formulation as an effective and safe alternative for HLB management, without disrupting non-target organisms.
Authors
Bergamo, Vitória Rodrigues; Marin, Vítor Rodrigues; Zamunér, Caio Felipe Cavicchia; Miotelo, Lucas; Petrônio, Maicon Segalla; Ferreira, Henrique
Publication date
2026-10-07
DOI
10.3389/fagro.2026.1965184 
URL
https://doi.org/10.3389/fagro.2026.1965184

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