Multilevel evaluation of Hyptis suaveolens essential oil against papaya postharvest fungal pathogens: in vitro, mechanistic and in vivo evidence

Key Points

• Hyptis suaveolens essential oil reduced the growth of fungal pathogens significantly, highlighting its efficacy.
• In vitro testing revealed a substantial decrease in fungal growth by 75%, showing promising antifungal properties.
• The observational analysis included both in vitro and in vivo assessments, exploring various mechanistic pathways influenced by the oil.
• The findings may enable the development of natural antifungal treatments, reducing dependency on synthetic fungicides.