Exploring the bioactivity of a novel pine wood distillate (PWD) for plant growth and protection

Exploiting plants by-product properties for combined crop growth regulation and pest management could represent a strategy for a more sustainable agriculture. The present study investigated the potential activity (at different product concentrations) of a novel pine wood distillate (PWD) obtained as an industrial by-product, on multiple targets in the agroecosystem. In the weed species, Sylibum marianum, PWD stimulated a more than twofold increase of seed germination and seedling development, while it was able to inhibit by up to 70% the growth of the soil-borne plant pathogen Fusarium culmorum on durum wheat seedlings. PWD was also able to induce behavioural changes in mature females of the fruit fly Ceratitis capitata, with a significant reduction in the visit and oviposition rate on treated orange fruits (53% and 62% less, respectively). Analysis of PWD chemical composition suggested a role of phenolic compounds in the observed species-specific effects. Taken together, these results support a multivalent exploitation of wood distillates in the management of important crops of the Mediterranean area, aligning with both circular economy and environmental protection principles.Please confirm if the author names are presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). Author 3 Given name: [Maria Giovanna] Last name [Marche]. Also, kindly confirm the details in the metadata are correct.Yes, it is correct