Antifungal Activity of Several Vegetable Origin Household Waste Extracts Against Wood-Decaying Fungi In Vitro

Purpose The aim of this paper is to identify if vegetable origin household wastes (VHWs) can be used in wood preservative formulations. Method An antifungal activity test of the VHW hot water extracts against wood-decaying fungi in vitro was performed. Results Out of the 17 studied VHW extracts 14 showed some antifungal activity against at least one fungi. Extracts from banana, tangerine and watermelon peels and discarded onion peels inhibited fungal growth the most. Conclusions The results demonstrate that VHWs are a source of antifungal chemicals, which can be considered as an alternative or additive to present wood preservatives formulations. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

The study found that vegetable origin household wastes can be used as an alternative or additive to wood preservatives, showing some antifungal activity. Extracts from banana, tangerine, watermelon peels, and discarded onion peels were the most effective in inhibiting fungal growth.