Tomato seeds coated with Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil nanoemulsion: Antifungal action and maintenance of physiological quality

Júlia Lima Baute; Raquel M. de O. Pires; Luan Rezende Peccini; Gabriela Ribeiro Gontijo; Adilson Vidal Costa; Vagner Tebaldi de Queiroz; José M. F. de L. Cruz; Ivan David Briceño Pinzón

Júlia Lima Baute

, Raquel M. de O. Pires, Luan Rezende Peccini, Gabriela Ribeiro Gontijo, Adilson Vidal Costa, Vagner Tebaldi de Queiroz, José M. F. de L. Cruz, Ivan David Briceño Pinzón

Abstract: Seed treatment represents an alternative to mitigate the occurrence of Fusarium wilt, induced by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol). Although essential oils (EOs) have demonstrated efficacy in controlling Fol both in vitro and in vivo, their constituents exhibit high volatility, low water dispersibility, and a tendency to degrade due to heat. Incorporating EOs into nanoemulsions or biodegradable coatings represents delivery systems that can help prolong their antifungal efficacy and minimize phytotoxicity in seed treatment. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of delivery systems incorporated with Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil (TEO) on the physiological quality of tomato seeds infected with Fol. The physiological tests performed on tomato seeds were: moisture content determination, germination test (G), first germination count (FGC), emergence speed index (ESI), accelerated aging test (AA), and image analysis. Seeds of the Ibiza and Napolitano cultivars inoculated with Fol were coated with TEO nanoemulsion (TEON) or biodegradable coating (CTEON) incorporated with TEON at 0, 0.5, or 1.0% (w/w). Treatment with TEON at concentrations ranging from 0 to 1.0% (w/w) did not interfere with the physiological quality of seeds from either cultivar. On the other hand, CTEON acted as a physical barrier, hindering the emission of the primary root and causing delays in the initial germination phase. Seeds treated with CTEON incorporated with TEON showed symptoms of phytotoxicity at concentrations between 0 and 1.0% (w/w). Considering the beneficial effect of TEON on seed health, further studies are needed to establish the ideal conditions for tomato seed treatment.

Keywords: alternative control; Fusarium spp.; olericulture; phytotoxicity; thyme; volatile oil

Citation: Baute, J. L., Pires, M. de O., Peccini, L. R., Gontijo, G. R., Costa, A. V., de Queiroz, V. T., Cruz, J. M. F. de L. & Pinzón, I. D. B. (2026). Tomato seeds coated with Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil nanoemulsion: Antifungal action and maintenance of physiological quality. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 32(2), 368–377

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Date published: 2026-04-29

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