Antifungal activity of phenolics against fungi commonly encountered during storage

Benzoic acid derivatives, cinnamic acid derivatives, and flavonoids were tested for antifungal activity in agar-glucose broth against five fungal pathogens (Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium digitatum, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Fusarium oxysporum and Alternaria sp.) commonly found during the storage of fruits and vegetables. All phenolics tested are natural plant constituents and show an extremely low mammalian toxicity. Some methoxybenzoic derivatives and chlorogenic acid were highly active. Structure/activity relationships are discussed.