Phytosanitary composition

Abstract

The phytosanitary composition comprises: - at least one monoterpene; - at least one surfactant agent; - at least one oil of plant origin.

Description

[0001] PHYTOSANITARY COMPOSITION

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a phytosanitary composition.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] The use of phytosanitary compositions intended for the treatment of certain phytopathogens, particularly fungal phytopathogens, is well known in the agricultural sector.

[0006] The development of phytopathogens on agricultural products, e.g. in the form of molds, in addition to jeopardizing the harvest, can cause the transmission of these pathogens to humans and / or the animals that feed on them, resulting in the generation of even serious diseases.

[0007] Known phytosanitary compositions involve the use of toxic active substances that can also be harmful to the animal organism that feeds on them. It follows that both the application of such compositions and the intake of the treated plant product can cause poisoning phenomena in humans.

[0008] In addition, these active substances are generally mixed with additional adjuvants, themsel ves potentially toxic, which are used as fixers of the active substances and prevent their possible removal due to irrigation or weathering.

[0009] An example of such known phytosanitary compositions is Bordeaux mixture. Bordeaux mixture consists of copper sulfate pentahydrate neutralized with calcium hydroxide. Copper compounds, such as Bordeaux mixture, have been limited in use in recent years, to the point that research has led to the development of new chemicals, as well as to the evaluation of the use of microorganisms to combat other pathogens. Unfortunately, the chemicals are often hazardous to non-target organisms and have limited biodegradability. The microorganisms themselves often have secondary metabolites that may pose application restrictions and / or risks to immunocompromised agricultural workers.

[0010] In order to limit the aforementioned drawbacks, additional types of phytosanitary compositions are known to involve the use of essential oils, containing terpenic compounds having anti-fungal action. However, terpenes are generally very volatile compounds that therefore do not remain long on the products to be treated, with the need for repeated and prolonged treatments over time.

[0011] Description of the Invention

[0012] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a phytosanitary composition that has reduced toxicity to animals intended to consume the treated plant products and to the ecosystem.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to devise a phytosanitary composition that is more efficient in treating phytopathogens than known solutions.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to devise a phytosanitary composition that allows reducing the frequency of application to plant products.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to devise a phytosanitary composition that can overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as cost- effective solution.

[0016] The aforementioned objects are achieved by this phytosanitary composition having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0017] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a phytosanitary composition.

[0019] The attached tables of drawing include:

[0020] Figures 1 to 11 show images of cell cultures treated with phytosanitary compositions according to the invention:

[0021] Figures 12 to 20 show summary graphs regarding the growth performance of cell cultures shown in Figures 1 to 7 and references;

[0022] Figures 21 to 23 show light microscope images of the cell cultures shown in Figures 8, 10 and 11.

[0023] Embodiments of the Invention

[0024] In detail, the phytosanitary composition according to the invention is employable in the preparation of a phytosanitary product wherein the phytosanitary composition itself is diluted in water. Such a phytosanitary product is then usable in the treatment of fungal phytopathogens, as will be better described later in this disclosure.

[0025] The phytosanitary composition according to the invention comprises: at least one monoterpene; at least one surfactant agent; at least one oil of plant origin.

[0026] Monoterpenes are a class of terpenes consisting of two isoprene units and can be linear (acyclic) or cyclic and have certain functional groups.

[0027] Monoterpenes occur naturally in many parts of different plants, such as bark, heartwood, bark and leaves of conifers, vegetables, fruits and herbs. Essential oils derived from such plants are found to be remarkably rich in monoterpenes. Many monoterpenes have fungicidal and antibacterial activities and promote wound healing. In nature, such compounds are produced by the plant as a defense against insects and general external agents.

[0028] The phytosanitary composition also conveniently comprises a mixture of fatty acids of plant origin.

[0029] The mixture of fatty acids of plant origin comprises fatty acids with carbon chain having lengths of between C15 and C20. Each of the fatty acids can be of the saturated or unsaturated type. The fatty acids constituting the mixture are characterized by a high boiling point (between 200°C and 360°C) compared with the more volatile monoterpenes.

[0030] The mixture of fatty acids of plant origin has the function of encompassing and retaining the lighter and more volatile monoterpene, thus ensuring, as a result of its application, that it remains longer on the product to be treated and leading to its gradual release.

[0031] The surfactant agent has the function of promoting the adhesion of the monoterpene and fatty acid mixture to the surface of the plant products to be treated. In the phytosanitary product, that is, where the phytosanitary composition is diluted in water, the surfactant agent promotes the formation of micelles and enables homogeneous distribution of the phytosanitary' product itself on the plant products to be treated.

[0032] Finally, the oil of plant origin acts as a solvent of the components of the phytosan itary composition and allows them to be conveyed.

[0033] Advantageously, in the phytosanitary composition in accordance with the invention: monoterpene is present in a percentage by weight comprised between 1% and 50% with respect to the total weight of the composition; the at least one surfactant agent is present in a percentage by weight comprised between 0,1% and 40% with respect to the total weight of the composition; the oil of plant origin is present in a percentage by weight comprised between 10% and 95% with respect to the total weight of the composition; the mixture of fatty acids of plant origin is present in a percentage by weight comprised between 5% and 30% with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0034] The phytosanitary composition in accordance with the embodiments which will be described in detail later in the disclosure, comprises only one monoterpene in a percentage by weight comprised between 1% and 50% with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0035] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the phytosanitary composition may comprise a mixture of two or more monoterpenes and, if so. the total concentration of monoterpenes present is comprised between 1% and 50% with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0036] Preferably, monoterpene is present in a percentage by weight comprised between 5% and 30% with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0037] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the phytosanitary composition comprises: monoterpene in a percentage by weight comprised between 10% and 20% with respect to the total weight of the composition; at least one surfactant agent in a percentage by weight comprised between 10% and 15% with respect to the total weight of the composition; oil of plant origin in a percentage by weight comprised between 20% and 40% with respect to the total weight of the composition; and the mixture of fatty acids of plant origin in a percentage by weight comprised between 5% and 10% with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0038] Even more preferably, monoterpene is present in a percentage by weight equal to 10% with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0039] Conveniently, monoterpene is selected from: carvacrol, citral, eucalyptol, thymol and alpha-pinene. Such monoterpenes, in fact, have excellent antibacterial and antifungal activities.

[0040] Preferably, monoterpene is carvacrol.

[0041] Conveniently, the mixture of fatty acids of plant origin comprises two or more fatty acids selected from: linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid.

[0042] In addition, the aforementioned fatty acids, in turn, have antifungal activity and contribute to increasing the effectiveness of the phytosanitary composition in accordance with the invention, compared with known compositions.

[0043] Preferably, the mixture of fatty acids of plant origin is present in a percentage by weight comprised between 10% and 20% with respect to the total weight of the composition. Even more preferably , the mixture of fatty acids of plant origin is present in a percentage by weight equal to 15% with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0044] In detail, the mixture of fatty acids of plant origin comprises: linoleic acid, present in a percentage by weight comprised between 35% and 70% with respect to the total weight of the mixture of fatty acids of plant origin; oleic acid, present in a percentage by weight comprised between 10% and 40% with respect to the total weight of the mixture of fatty acids of plant origin; palmitic acid, present in a percentage by weight comprised between 3% and 10% with respect to the total weight of the mixture of fatty acids of plant origin; stearic acid, present in a percentage by weight comprised between 1% and 7% with respect to the total weight of the mixture of fatty acids of plant origin.

[0045] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the mixture of fatty acids of plant origin comprises: linoleic acid, present in a percentage by weight comprised between 43% and 65% with respect to the total weight of the mixture of fatty acids of plant origin; oleic acid, present in a percentage by weight comprised between 14% and 36% with respect to the total weight of the mixture of fatty acids of plant origin; palmitic acid, present in a percentage by weight comprised between 4.5% and 8.5% with respect to the total weight of the mixture of fatty acids of plant origin; stearic acid, present in a percentage by weight comprised between 2% and 5.5% with respect to the total weight of the mixture of fatty acids of plant origin.

[0046] As stated above, the phytosanitary composition also comprises at least one surfactant agent.

[0047] Advantageously, the at least one surfactant agent comprises at least one anionic surfactant.

[0048] In combination or in alternative thereof, the at least one surfactant agent comprises at least one non-ionic surfactant.

[0049] Advantageously, the phytosanitary composition comprises a mixture of multiple surfactant agents. Specifically, the phytosanitary composition comprises a mixture of an anionic surfactant and a non-ionic surfactant.

[0050] The anionic surfactant is selected from the list comprising: sodium lauroyl sacrosinate, sodium stearate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, ammonium dodecyl sulfate, ammonium lauryl heterethersulfate, sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, sodium dodecylbenzosulfonate, sulfopropyl ethoxylated laurylphenyl ether, sodium or potassium salt of cholic acid, sodium or potassium salt of deoxycholic acid, sodium or potassium salt of ethoxylated laurylphenyl ether glycolic acid, sodium or potassium salt of ethoxylated oleyl ether glycolic acid, sodium or potassium salt of ethoxylated 4-tert-butylphenyl ether glycolic acid. Preferably, the anionic surfactant is a dodecylbenzene sulfonate salt.

[0051] The non-ionic surfactant is selected from the list comprising: lauryl glucoside. cetearyl glucoside, coco glucoside, polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexoleate. Preferably, the non-ionic surfactant is polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexoleate. Preferably, surfactants are present in a concentration by weight comprised between. 1% and 20% with respect the total weight of the composition.

[0052] Conveniently, the anionic surfactant and the non-ionic surfactant are present in a ratio by weight comprised between 1 :20 and 1:1.

[0053] Preferably, the anionic surfactant and the non-ionic surfactant are present in a ratio by weight comprised between 1:10 and 1:2.

[0054] Even more preferably, the anionic surfactant and the non-ionic surfactant are present in a ratio by weight equal to 1:9. This ratio resulted in optimal application characteristics for the phytosanitary product according to the invention and its high stability over time.

[0055] In fact, the mixture of surfactant agents in a ratio of 1:9 allows the formation of a homogeneous microemulsion, which enables homogeneous distribution of the phytosanitary product on the plant products to be treated, and at the same time stable, allowing the product to be stored for a long time, avoiding the separation of the oily and aqueous phases. In addition, this ratio allows the formation of a reduced amount of foam, while maintaining optimal surface tension reduction capabilities.

[0056] Finally, the phytosanitary composition comprises an oil of plant origin, which is used as a solvent for the additional components of the phytosanitary composition.

[0057] Preferably, the oil of plant origin is present in a percentage by weight comprised between 55% and 80% with respect to the total weight of the composition. Even more preferably, the oil of plant origin is present in a percentage by weight equal to 65% with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0058] Conveniently, the vegetable oil is selected from the list comprising: olive oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower seed oil, soybean oil, rice oil, jojoba oil, other natural oils obtainable by extraction from plant sources. It cannot also be ruled out that this phytosanitary composition may comprise oils of animal origin.

[0059] Preferably, the vegetable oil is rapeseed oil.

[0060] Conveniently, the phytosanitary composition may also comprise at least one emulsifying mixture in a percentage by weight comprised between 40% and 55% with respect to the total weight of the composition. Preferably, in a percentage by weight comprised between 45% and 50% with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0061] The emulsifying mixture has the function of effectively blending tire various components of the phytosanitary composition and of making it substantially homogeneous.

[0062] The emulsifying mixture comprises at least one emulsifier and at least one rheology corrector.

[0063] In this case, the emulsifier is a fatty acid ester with polyethylene glycol, e.g., castor oil ethoxylated oleate. The rheology corrector, on the other hand, is selected from the list comprising: propylene carbonate. Xanthan gum5starch, polyethylene glycol, ethylhydroxylcellulose, attapulgite, hydroxypropylcellulose, amorphous silica.

[0064] Conveniently, the phytosanitary composition comprises at least one bonding agent in a percentage by weight comprised between 1% and 10% with, respect to the total weight of the composition. Preferably, in a percentage by weight equal to 4% with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0065] Specifically, the bonding agent is an oxide of a metal selected from the list comprising: sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, titanium, molybdenum, manganese, zirconium, copper, iron, zinc, silicon and aluminum.

[0066] In more detail, the bonding agent is a metal oxide selected from the list comprising (indicated by their respective brute formulas): Na2O, MgO, K2O, CaO, TiO2, MoO4, MnO2, ZrO2;CuO, Cu2O, Fe2O3, FeO, ZnO, SiO2, AI2O3. Preferably, TiO2, ZnO, AI2O3 and SiO2. Even more preferably, ZnO and SiO2. Advantageously, the phytosanitary composition comprises an adsorbent agent and the at least one mono terpene is adsorbed onto the adsorbent agent.

[0067] The use of an adsorbent agent allows for a gradual release of the monoterpene thus ensuring a prolonged phytotherapeutic effect over time.

[0068] The adsorbent agent comprises a clay material selected from the list comprising: palygorskite, montmorillonite, bentonite.

[0069] Conveniently, the adsorbent agent has a particle size 'with D90 less than 20pm. This makes the phytosanitary composition easily applicable by spraying or similar techniques.

[0070] According to a further aspect, this invention also relates to a phytosanitary product comprising a phytosanitary composition according to one or more of the embodiments described above.

[0071] The phytosanitary product also comprises water, in a ratio by volume of phytosanitary composition to water comprised between 1:100 and 1:500.

[0072] Preferably, the phytosanitary composition and water are in a ratio by volume comprised between 1 :200 and 1 :300.

[0073] According to a further aspect, this invention also relates to the use of the phytosanitary product for the treatment of fungal phytopathogens.

[0074] In detail, the fungal phytopathogens belong to the genera: Oidium spp., Alternaria spp., Cladosporium spp. , Fusicoccum spp., Penicilium spp., Aspergillus spp., Rizhopus spp., Fusarium spp., Taphirinia spp., Peronospora spp., Monilinia spp.

[0075] It cannot however be ruled out that this phytosanitary product can be used for the treatment of other types of fungal phytopathogens. Likewise, it cannot be ruled out that this phytosanitary product can be used for the treatment of non- fungal phytopathogens.

[0076] Experimental part

[0077] To assess the effectiveness in counteracting the development and spread of fungal microorganisms of the phytosanitary composition and of the related phytosanitary product, petri dishes were prepared with PDA (Potatoes Dextrose Agar) medium adapted to the growth of fungal forms and then a poisoning of the dishes was carried out using a 1% mixture in water of phytosanitary compositions in accordance with different embodiments of this invention. Poisoning was carried out using 100 pl of solution per dish and with the aid of a sterile loop, the mixture was made to absorb to the agar gel. Once this step was completed, the microorganisms wrere inoculated by taking for each organism from the same dish containing the starting microorganism.

[0078] The grovrth of microorganisms was also tested on a dish containing the microorganism alone (CTRL) and on dishes treated with known phytosanitary compositions, specifically Bordeaux mixture (REFI) and Limocide (REF2), a composition containing D-limonene.

[0079] To standardize the results obtained, 3 reference time-points were taken for each control: after 3 days after phytopathogen inoculation (a)), after 7 days (b)) and after 10 days (c)). The dishes were stored at a constant temperature of 25 °C for the entire time of the analysis so as to observe the microorganisms under standard conditions.

[0080] The tested phytosanitary compositions differ from each other in the monoterpene used. In detail, the examples show phytosanitary compositions comprising carvacrol (Comp.1 ), citral (Comp.2) or alpha-pinene (Comp.3).

[0081] The fungal phytopathogens examined are: Oidium spp. (SPP1), Alternaria alternata (SPP2), Cladosporium spp. (SPP3), Fusicoccum amygdali (SPP4), Penicilium italicum (SPP5), Aspergillus flavus (SPP6), Rizhopus nigricans (SPP7), Fusarium spp. (SPP8). Taphirinia deformans (SPP9), Peronospora spp. (SPP10) and Monilinia spp. (SPP11 ).

[0082] At the end of the incubation periods, the dishes were photographed both superiorly and inferiorly in order to better appreciate the bacterial growth.

[0083] The attached Figures 1 to 11 show the dishes as a result of the incubation for all phytopathogens analyzed.

[0084] Figure 1 shows the bacterial growth for Oidium spp. (SPP1).

[0085] It can be seen from the pictures that all the products tested were effective in preventing SPP1 growth. After 3 days of incubation, the phytosanitary compositions comprising carvacrol (Comp.1) and alpha-pinene (Comp.3) were found to be the most effective.

[0086] This trend is also confirmed in the observation of dishes in later periods.

[0087] Figure 2 shows the bacterial growth for Alternaria alternata (SPP2).

[0088] From the observations made, it can be seen that all products show excellent ability in limiting pathogen growth compared to the control. To be noted is the greater effectiveness of Comp.3.

[0089] At control b), the difference between the control (CTRL) and the treated colonies is clearly evident. At time point c) no significant changes in the growth of colonies treated with the phytosanitary compositions are appreciable, thus confirming their* biostatic properties. The lower effectiveness of the treatment performed with Bordeaux mixture (REF1) should be highlighted.

[0090] In general, the phytosanitary compositions according to the invention have similar effectiveness.

[0091] Figure 3 shows the bacterial growth for Cladosporium spp. (SPP3),

[0092] SPP3 is a microorganism that is characterized by high sporulation capacity but it takes time to develop. In fact, at time point a), development is still low even for CTRL.

[0093] At time point b), sufficient colony development can be observed for growth assessments to be made. As can be seen, at control, different colonies came to form within the same dish, as well as for Comp.3 and REF1 The dishes treated with Comp.1 and Comp.2 stand out in this respect which, in addition to not allowing the formation of new colonies, also showed the best containment of microorganism development.

[0094] Finally, at time point c), it can be seen that Comp.1 allowed for the limitation of microbial development and at the same time the formation of new colonies.

[0095] Figure 4 shows the bacterial growth for Fusicoccum amygdali (SPP4).

[0096] With regard to SPP4, it can be observed that the treatments made with the phytosanitary compositions according to the invention did not allow the microbial development even at time point c).

[0097] On the contrary, the dish treated with REF1 showed similar development to the control CTRL.

[0098] Figure 5 shows the bacterial growth for Penicilium italicum (SPP5).

[0099] The first time-point a) shows that the colonies treated with the phytosanitary compositions in accordance with the invention show less intense staining than CTRL and REF1; this difference in color is an indication that the colonies are at a later stage of development than the others. Note the particular effectiveness of Comp.1.

[0100] At time point b). the above differences are less apparent, indicating that, despite the initial difficulty in development, the treated colonies were able to finish their growth. Despite this, the colony treated with Comp.1 still shows a later stage of development compared to the other dishes analyzed.

[0101] At time point c), it can be seen that the colonies, with the exception of Comp.1 , continued to develop to show growth similar to that of CTRL.

[0102] Figure 6 show's the bacterial growth for Aspergillus flavus (SPP6).

[0103] As observed for SPP5, it is also observed that the treated colonies show' less development than CTRL. It is worth noting the particular effectiveness shown by Comp.1.

[0104] At time point b) there is a delay in development for the treated colonies but less conspicuous than at a).

[0105] At the end of the analysis carried out, it is observed that the treated colonies and the control colony do not show' substantial differences in their development. The phytosanitary compositions show good initial effectiveness which, however, decreases over time.

[0106] Figure 7 shows the bacterial growth for Rizhopus nigricans (SPP7).

[0107] SPP7 shows a remarkably rapid development as can be observed in CTRL, only 3 days after inoculation. When looking at the dishes treated with the phytosanitary' compositions according to the invention, it can be observed that the development has a significant deficit. It is W'orth noting that the dish treated with REFI show's no effect on the development of the microorganism, while with REF2, the development is inhibited but not similarly to the phytosanitary compositions Comp.1, Comp.2 and Comp.3.

[0108] At time-point b) it is possible to observe how the dishes treated with Comp.1 and Comp.2 show dissimilar development compared to the control. Looking in detail, it is possible to observe how the colony filled the available space as with the control but showed an almost total absence of the air phase that characterizes this microorganism.

[0109] At time point c), abnormal development of the colonies treated with the phytosanitary compositions is shown, especially deficient growth is observed in the sample treated with Comp.1.

[0110] Figure 8 shows the bacterial growth for Fusarium spp. (SPP8).

[0111] As can be observed in the images shown, unlike previous analyses, with regard to the growth of this microorganism, no particular differences in development are observed between the colonies treated with the phytosanitary compositions and CTRL at all three time-points examined.

[0112] Figure 9 shows the bacterial growth for Taphirinia deformans (SPP9).

[0113] SPP9 is a microorganism in the yeast phase. In this case, less expansion is observed in the dish treated with Comp.1.

[0114] At time-point b) what was observed in the first control is confirmed, expansion is mainly limited in colonies treated with Comp.1. Other than the limitation in expansion, no other effects are observed at the macroscopic level.

[0115] At time-point c), what was observed previously is confirmed, namely the improved effectiveness of Comp.1

[0116] Figure 10 shows the bacterial growth for Peronospora spp. (SPP10).

[0117] At time-point a) it is observed that for the dishes treated with the phytosanitary compositions there is a limitation in development, especially it is observed that for Comp.1, in addition to a limitation in expansion there is a different colony structuring compared to the control.

[0118] At time-point b) it is observed that the colony expansion remains almost unchanged for both CTRL and in the treated dishes but a conformational difference is noted in some of them. Specifically, it is observed that the dish treated with Comp.1 goes on to form a structure similar to that generated by the colony present in the dish treated with REF1, which turns out to be the best product on the market for the treatment of the aforementioned microorganism.

[0119] At time-point c) it is possible to reconfirm what has been observed in previous controls and thus that Comp.1 goes to interfere with proper phytopathogen development.

[0120] Figure 11 shows the bacterial growth for Monilinia spp. (SPP11).

[0121] At time-point a), sufficient colony development is not observed to assess the possible effectiveness of the products used.

[0122] At time-point b), it can be seen that all phytosanitary compositions go to interfere with the colony growth but in particular the effectiveness of Comp.1 is highlighted. Also note that the dish treated with REF1 shows no reduction in the development of the inoculated colony. At time-point c) it is observed, as with many other microorganisms analyzed previously, that Comp.1 has the greatest ability to interfere with the development of microorganisms.

[0123] Figures 12 to 20 show summary graphs of the bacterial growth trend depending on the phytosanitary compositions and on the references tested.

[0124] After assessing both colony expansion within the dishes and the mode of development of the colonies themselves, these data were correlated with the dishes used as natural growth control for the microorganisms of interest. From these data, it was observed that Comp.1 and Comp.3 were the most effective phytosanitary compositions.

[0125] Later, the same experiment was repeated fbr Comp.1 and Comp.3 by adding a light microscope analysis in order to observe how the aforementioned products went about acting on both spore formation and fungal mycelium formation.

[0126] Figures 21 to 23 show the results of the analysis for microorganisms SPP8, SPP10 and SPP11.

[0127] Figure 21 shows the light microscope images (100x) for Fusarium spp. (SPP8).

[0128] At time-point a) it is possible to observe that the spores generated by all the colonies analyzed do not have substantial differences. More interesting is to observe the development of the hyphae, this is because if we focus on tire colonies treated with Comp.1 , it is possible to observe that the hyphae do not have the normal structuring characteristic of SPP 8. This aspect is not observable in the colony treated with Comp.3, which shows normal development.

[0129] At time-point b), small structural changes are observed regarding hyphae in the samples treated with Comp.1. The spores in all samples are comparable to those found in CTRL.

[0130] At time-point c), slight structural deformations are observed as evidenced in the previous time-points. Of interest is the fact that deformed spores are observed in the colony treated with Comp.1 and this aspect could influence the future development of the microorganism.

[0131] Figure 22 shows the light microscope images (100x) for Peronospora spp. (SPP 10).

[0132] At time-point a) it is observed that at the microscopic level there is similar development between the two samples examined. The aspect to be considered is spore formation which, in the sample treated with Comp.1 , appears to be deficient.

[0133] At time-point b) it can be observed that in the case of the colony treated with Comp.1, there is a reduction in sporulation with also development of spores that are not fully formed. In addition, hyphae with deformations are observed.

[0134] At time-point c) the aspects highlighted in the previous control are more evident, observing more clearly how spore development is deficient for the colony treated with Comp.l and how the hyphae show clear signs of damage.

[0135] Figure 23 shows the light microscope images (100x) for Monilinia spp. (SPP11).

[0136] At time-point a), as previously anticipated, colony development is too early , so the analysis was not performed.

[0137] At time-point b) it can be seen from CTRL that this microorganism is characterized by the formation of spore chains. Looking at the data collected for the colony treated with Comp.1 , it can be seen that these chains suffered severe damage during formation. In the colony treated with Comp.3, on the other hand, the presence of the typical structures that the microorganism forms under normal conditions is indistinctly noted.

[0138] At time-point c), a situation similar to the previous control is observed, i.e., with the dish treated with Comp.1 showing deformed structuring compared to CTRL. Treatment with Comp.3 had no effect on the colony.

[0139] In conclusion, further analysis under the light microscope revealed that Comp.1, i.e., the phytosanitary composition containing carvacrol, has an excellent ability to control the development of various phytopathogens to the point of even blocking their development completely in some cases.

[0140] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects, and in particular, the fact is emphasized that, due to the exclusive use of plant-derived substances, the phytosanitary composition according to the invention shows reduced toxicity to animals intended for the intake of treated plant products and to the ecosystem.

[0141] In addition, the particular combination of substances used makes this phytosanitary composition more effective in treating fungal phytopathogens than known solutions.

[0142] Finally, the presence of high-boiling fatty acids makes it possible to reduce the frequency of application of this phytosanitary composition to the plant products.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Phytosanitary composition characterized by the fact that it comprises: at least one monoterpene; at least one surfactant agent: at least one oil of plant origin.2) Phytosanitary composition according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises a mixture of fatty acids of plant origin.3) Phytosanitary composition according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that: said monoterpene is present in a percentage of weight comprised between 1 % and 50% with respect to the total weight of said composition; said at least one surfactant agent is present in a percentage of weight comprised between 0.1% and 40% with respect to the total weight of said composition; said oil of plant origin is present in a percentage of weight comprised between 50% and 95% with respect to the total weight of said composition; said mixture of fatty acids of plant origin is present in a percentage of •weight comprised between 5% and 30% with respect to the total weight of said composition.4) Phytosanitary composition according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that: said monoterpene is present in a percentage by weight comprised between 10% and 2.0% with respect to the total weight of said composition; said at least one surfactant agent is present in a percentage by weight comprised between 10% and 15% with respect to the total weight of said composition; said oil of plant origin is present in a percentage by weight comprised between 20% and 40% with respect to the total weight of said composition; said mixture of fatty acids of plant origin is present in a percentage by weight comprised between 5% and 10% with respect to the total weight of said composition.5) Phytosanitary composition according to one or more of the precedingclaims, characterized by the fact that said monoterpene is present in a percentage of weight equal to 10% with respect to the total weight of said composition.6) Phytosanitary composition according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said monoterpene is selected from: carvacrol, citral, eucalyptol, thymol, alpha-pinene.7) Phytosanitary composition according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said monoterpene is carvacrol.8) Phytosanitary composition according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said mixture of fatty acids of plant origin comprises: linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid.9) Phytosanitary composition according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said at least one surfactant agent comprises at least one anionic surfactant.10) Phytosanitary composition according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said anionic surfactant is selected from the list comprising: sodium lauroyl sacrosinate, sodium stearate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, ammonium dodecyl sulfate, ammonium lauryl heterethersulfate, sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, sodium dodecylbenzosulfonate, sulfopropyl ethoxylated laurylphenyl ether, sodium or potassium salt of cholic acid, sodium or potassium salt of deoxycholic acid, sodium or potassium salt of ethoxylated laurylphenyl ether glycolic acid, sodium or potassium salt of ethoxylated oleyl ether glycolic acid, sodium or potassium salt of ethoxylated 4-tert-butylphenyl ether glycolic acid.11) Phytosanitary composition according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said at least one surfactant agent comprises at least one non-ionic surfactant.12) Phytosanitary composition according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said non-ionic surfactant is selected from the list comprising: lauryl glucoside, cetearyl glucoside, coco glucoside, polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexoleate.13) Phytosanitary composition according to one or more of the precedingclaims, characterized by the fact that said anionic surfactant and said non-ionic surfactant are present in a ratio by weight comprised between 1:20 and 1:1.14) Phytosanitary composition according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said plant oil is selected from the list comprising: olive oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower seed oil, soybean oil, rice oil, jojoba oil.15) Phytosanitary composition according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one emulsifying mixture in a percentage by weight comprised between 40% and 55% with respect to the total weight of said composition.16) Phytosanitary composition according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said emulsifying mixture comprises at least one emulsifier and at least one rheology corrector.17) Phytosanitary' composition according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said emulsifier is a taty acid ester with polyethylene glycol.18) Phytosanitary' composition, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said rheology corrector is selected from the list comprising: propylene carbonate, Xanthan gum, starch, polyethylene glycol, ethylhydroxylcellulose, attapulgite, hydroxypropylcellulose, amorphous silica.19) Phytosanitary' composition according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one bonding agent in a percentage by weight comprised between 1% and 10% with respect to the total weight of said composition.20) Phytosanitary' composition according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said bonding agent is an oxide of a metal selected from the list comprising: sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, titanium, molybdenum, manganese, zirconium, copper, iron, zinc, silicon and aluminum.21) Phytosanitary composition according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises an adsorbent agent, said at least one monoterpene being adsorbed onto said adsorbent agent.22) Phytosanitary composition according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said adsorbent agent comprises a clay material selected from the list comprising: palygorskite, montmorillonite, bentonite. 23) Phytosanitary composition according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said adsorbent agent has a particle size with D90 less than 20pm.24) Phytosanitary product characterized by the fact that it comprises a phytosanitary' composition according to one or more of the preceding claims and water, in a ratio by volume comprised between 1:100 and 1 :500.25) Use of the phytosanitary product according to claim 24 for the treatment of fungal phytopathogens.

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