Ecological Value of Ormenis mixta Essential Oil from Pre-Rif Morocco as a Natural Antifungal Agent for Sustainable Agriculture

Authors

  • Hajar Kodad

    Natural Resources and Sustainable Development Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra 14050, Morocco
  • Sana El Moutaouakil

    Natural Resources and Sustainable Development Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra 14050, Morocco
  • Marouane Aouji

    Natural Resources and Sustainable Development Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra 14050, Morocco
  • Yassine Mouniane

    Natural Resources and Sustainable Development Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra 14050, Morocco
  • Oussama Chauiyakh

    Materials, Energy and Acoustics Team, Higher School of Technology, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10000, Morocco
  • Brahim El Ouardi

    Natural Resources and Sustainable Development Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra 14050, Morocco
  • El Mahjoub Aouane

    Natural Resources and Sustainable Development Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra 14050, Morocco

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v8i3.12267
Received: 28 September 2025 | Revised: 18 April 2026 | Accepted: 22 April 2026 | Published Online: 29 April 2026

Abstract

Growing concerns regarding the environmental and health impacts of synthetic pesticides have stimulated increasing interest in plant-derived antimicrobial agents as sustainable alternatives. In this study, the essential oil (EO) of Ormenis mixta collected from the Pre-Rif region (Taza, Morocco) was extracted by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus and chemically characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the broth microdilution method according to CLSI guidelines against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and the opportunistic yeast Candida albicans. The EO yield reached 0.55% (w/w). Chemical analysis revealed a composition dominated by aromatic hydrocarbons (51.18%) and polycyclic aromatic compounds (20.89%), whereas oxygenated monoterpenes were detected in lower proportions. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was recorded against C. albicans (6.50 ± 0.76 mg/mL), indicating notable antifungal activity. Gram-positive bacteria exhibited moderate susceptibility, while Gram-negative strains were comparatively less sensitive, likely due to structural differences in their outer membranes. Molecular docking analysis further suggested that major aromatic constituents, particularly hydrogenated anthracene and trimethyl-substituted naphthalene derivatives, may contribute to membrane-related antimicrobial interactions. Overall, these findings describe a distinct Pre-Rif chemotype of O. mixta and provide experimental evidence supporting its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent. The results offer a scientific foundation for future ecological, toxicological, and field-based evaluations aimed at integrating this essential oil into sustainable agricultural and environmental management strategies.

Keywords:

Ormenis mixta; Essential Oil; Ecological Sustainability; Antifungal Activity; Biocontrol Agent; Circular Bioeconomy

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Kodad, H., Moutaouakil, S. E., Aouji, M., Mouniane, Y., Chauiyakh, O., Ouardi, B. . E., & Aouane, E. M. (2026). Ecological Value of Ormenis mixta Essential Oil from Pre-Rif Morocco as a Natural Antifungal Agent for Sustainable Agriculture. Research in Ecology, 8(3), 20–41. https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v8i3.12267

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Vol.8, Iss.3 (June 2026)(in progress)

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Copyright © 2026 Hajar Kodad, Sana El Moutaouakil, Marouane Aouji, Yassine Mouniane, Oussama Chauiyakh, Brahim El Ouardi, El Mahjoub Aouane

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