Abstract

In Brazil the Caatinga biome is formed by endemic species with numerous applications in medicine, cosmetics and agrochemicals. However, only 8% of the country’s plant species are chemically evaluated annually. Thus, the work aimed to determine the free amino acid composition and phenolic substances of Caatinga plant species extracts, their antioxidant activity and the potential use of these compounds in the control of A. alternata in citrus. Leaf extracts from fourteen native plant species were evaluated for free amino acid contents; total and individual polyphenols; total flavonoids and antifungal susceptibility test. The relationship between the contents of the compounds detected in each plant extract with its antioxidant capacity and antifungal activity, has not yet been fully clarified. However, it is a fact that the extract of Cleome hassleriana constitutes a source rich in free amino acids. It is also verified that the extracts of Mimosa tenuiflora and Caesalpinia ferrea are efficient alternatives in the control of Alternaria alternata in citrus, because they present similar results for this purpose, and in the evaluation of their compositions in free amino acids, phenolic substances and antioxidant activity.

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