Efficacy of Nanoemulsion of Satureja Sahendica Essential Oil and Melatonin As a Safe Approach Against Postharvest Fungal in Raspberries Publisher Pubmed



Rahmanzadeh Ishkeh S ; Shirzad H ; Tofighi Z ; Fattahi M ; Ghosta Y
Source: Scientific Reports Published:2026

Abstract

Chemical fungicides remain the primary method for controlling post-harvest fungal infections in fruits, yet their use is increasingly restricted due to health risks, environmental concerns, and stricter regulations. This has driven interest in natural bioactive compounds as sustainable disease management tools. Here, we investigated the antifungal efficacy of a nanoemulsion derived from Satureja sahendica essential oil (Nano-EO) along with melatonin (MEL), against fungi commonly associated with raspberry deterioration. Nano-EO displayed potent antifungal activity, fully inhibiting the growth of Trichoderma sp. and an unidentified Basidiomycetes sp. at 300 µl/L. MEL also reduced mycelial growth in a concentration-dependent manner, although susceptibility varied among fungal species, with the Basidiomycetes sp. showing minimal inhibition (20.4% at 0.1 mM). Nano-EO consistently outperformed MEL, underscoring its strong antifungal potential. These findings suggest that natural nanoemulsions, either alone or combined with MEL, may provide effective, eco-friendly approaches for reducing post-harvest losses and improving the microbiological safety of raspberry fruits. © The Author(s) 2026.