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

Abstract

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. Graphic Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].