Fungal diseases can compromise crops from their earliest stages and continue to affect them during growth, flowering or ripening. Among the most common problems are damping-off, which causes emergence failures and damage to seedlings, and Botrytis, responsible for grey mould in numerous crops.
In this context, mimosa and oak extracts stand out for their richness in tannins and other phenolic compounds. When incorporated into properly developed agricultural formulations, they can act as natural biofungicides: substances of biological origin that help control fungal proliferation and limit the development of pathogens associated with these diseases, as part of an integrated crop management strategy.
Damping-off: a threat from the start of the crop cycle
Damping-off mainly affects seeds, roots, the crown and young tissues. It can occur before emergence, preventing the seedling from emerging, or after emergence, when weakening, lesions at the base of the stem, collapse and plant death may occur.
This problem is associated with different soil-borne pathogens and is favoured by conditions such as excess moisture, poor drainage, high sowing density or the presence of infected plant material. Prevention and early protection are therefore particularly important.
How do mimosa and oak help against damping-off?
Mimosa and oak extracts provide a wide range of bioactive substances, particularly tannins and phenolic compounds. Due to their plant origin and antifungal action, formulations developed from these extracts can be considered natural biofungicides. These substances help control the proliferation of fungi associated with damping-off and protect the most sensitive tissues during the early stages of the crop.
Their value is not limited to intervention once the problem becomes visible. These formulations can be integrated into preventive programmes aimed at reducing pathogen pressure at critical stages such as germination, rooting and seedling establishment.
Botrytis: the grey mould fungus
Botrytis cinerea is the causal agent of grey mould, a disease capable of affecting leaves, flowers, stems and fruit. Its development is often favoured by high humidity, condensation, insufficient ventilation and the presence of wounds or weakened tissues.
In addition to causing direct losses in the field, Botrytis can reduce the commercial quality and shelf life of produce. Its management requires anticipation, monitoring and a strategy that combines cultural practices with solutions suited to the crop and the level of risk.
Effect of mimosa and oak extracts against Botrytis
Formulations based on mimosa and oak extracts can be used as natural biofungicides against Botrytis. Thanks to their tannin and phenolic compound content, they provide plant-derived substances capable of helping to control fungal proliferation and limit its development. They therefore represent a valuable tool in grey mould prevention and management programmes.
The aim is to limit the progression of the pathogen and strengthen crop protection during particularly sensitive stages, such as flowering, fruit set and ripening. The strategy should always be adapted to the crop, environmental conditions, field history and the technical recommendations of the formulation used.
Tannins and phenolic compounds: the basis of their value
Mimosa and oak are natural sources of tannins, a group of polyphenols produced by plants as part of their interaction and protection mechanisms in response to the environment. Together with other phenolic compounds, they provide antioxidant properties and biological activity of particular interest for developing natural biofungicides and other agricultural biosolutions designed to control fungal proliferation.
It is not simply a matter of using a plant extract, but of selecting the raw materials, standardising their composition and formulating them so that their active substances retain their stability, availability and efficacy under real application conditions.
A tool within integrated management
Against damping-off and Botrytis, no measure should be considered in isolation. Biosolutions formulated with mimosa and oak extracts should be integrated with practices such as:
- Controlling moisture and improving drainage.
- Ensuring adequate ventilation and reducing condensation.
- Removing plant debris and affected tissues.
- Disinfecting and properly managing seedbeds, trays and tools.
- Monitoring environmental conditions and taking preventive action.
- Following technical recommendations and applicable regulations.
This approach helps reduce conditions favourable to pathogens and ensures that each tool is used at the moment of greatest agronomic value.
Nature, science and innovation against fungal diseases
Mimosa and oak extracts demonstrate how knowledge of plant chemistry can be translated into new tools to address specific crop challenges. Their use in formulations designed to manage damping-off and Botrytis connects the potential of natural compounds with the real needs of agriculture.
At Veganic, we research and formulate agricultural biosolutions using raw materials of plant origin, including mimosa and oak. We combine nature, science and innovation to develop effective, responsible strategies adapted to the current challenges facing crops.
Would you like to learn more about our biosolutions for managing damping-off and Botrytis? Contact the Veganic team and discover the most suitable strategy for your crop.
