Seasonal variation of chemical profile of Ruta graveolens extracts and biological activity against Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium proliferatum and Stemphylium vesicarium

Abstract Ruta graveolens L. is a plant of agricultural interest due to its biological activity against phytopathogenic microorganism. This activity has been attributed to the presence of alkaloids, furanocoumarins, terpenes and fatty acids. The accumulation of these compounds is affected by environmental factors. The aim of this work was to analyze the seasonal variation the chemical profile of rue and to evaluate the biological activity against phytopathogenic fungi. Extracts were obtained in January, April, June and September 2017, chemically characterized by GC-MS. The antifungal activity was determined by absorbance, four concentrations were evaluated: 4, 8, 16 and 32 mg/mL. In extracts from the aerial parts, fatty acids were the most abundant group in the January sample (29.7%), and alkaloids in the April and June (27.7%) samples. In extracts from the roots, alkaloids were the most abundant group in the four collections. The highest percentage of growth inhibition on Fusarium and Stemphylium was obtained with the extracts of the January sample. Ruta graveolens can be considered an alternative for the management of phytopathogenic fungi of crops of economic importance.