A Lignin-Rich Extract of Giant Reed (Arundo donax L.) as a Possible Tool to Manage Soilborne Pathogens in Horticulture: A Preliminary Study on a Model Pathosystem

Finding new sustainable tools for crop protection in horticulture has become mandatory. Giant reed (Arundo donax L.) is a tall, perennial, widely diffuse lignocellulosic grass, mainly proposed bioenergy production due to the fact of its high biomass yield and low agronomic requirements. Some studies have already highlighted antimicrobial antifungal properties giant reed-derived compounds. This study aimed at investigating potential lignin-rich extract protection. The extract, obtained by dry treatment with potassium hydroxide 120 °C, followed neutralization, was chemically characterized. A preliminary vitro screening among several pathogenic strains fungi oomycetes showed sensitivity most soilborne pathogens extract; thus, an experiment performed model pathosystem, Pythium ultimum–zucchini growth substrate composed peat or sand. adsorption sand lignin-derived compounds contained also observed. proved be effective restoring number healthy zucchini plantlets infected P. ultimum compared untreated control. highlights sustain health horticulture.