Seed health testing aims to ensure a healthy crop and to prevent the spread
of plant diseases. The need to study and apply both essential oils and plant
extracts against seed diseases is growing and becoming more important.
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is an annual herbaceous, aromatic, spicy
and medicinal plant from the Apiaceae family, known for its seeds with a
characteristic and pleasant odour. In human medicine, coriander is a part of
various medicines for the treatment of digestive organs. Phytopathogenic
fungi and bacteria are the most common and significant causes of coriander
seed disease. The aim of this study was to assess coriander seed health and
investigate the possibility of seed disinfection using peppermint (Mentha x
piperita) essential oil. The health of the seeds was examined by the filter
paper laboratory standard method. Different concentrations (1, 2, 5 and 10%)
of peppermint essential oil were used for seed disinfection. The composition
of the essential oil was determined by gas chromatographic analysis. The
results of seed health analysis showed the presence of a fungus after seven
days of incubation in a humid chamber at room temperature. The fungus was
identified as Alternaria sp. (sect. Alternaria) based on the symptoms and
macroscopic and microscopic features of the fungus (on seed and potato
dextrose agar). Immersion treatment of infected seed in peppermint essential
oil reduced the presence of Alternaria sp. on coriander seeds. The highest
disease inhibition, 69,33%, namely 58,93% without the influence of the
emulsifier, was shown by oil solution of 5%. Stagnation in inhibition was
observed with a further increase in oil concentration. The results of this
study show the possibility of disinfecting coriander seeds with peppermint
essential oil to reduce infection with Alternaria sp.