Bioactivity of Sumac (Rhus Coriaria) Extract as a Green Alternative for Plant Pathogen Inhibition

Environmental stress caused by pathogenic fungi leads to considerable losses in global crop productivity. Plant-derived extracts are eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives that can inhibit biotic stresses. Sumac (Rhus coriaria) is widely used in industrial and medicinal applications due to its extract rich in secondary metabolites, similar to those found in chemical pesticides and pharmaceuticals. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical composition of sumac seed extract using GC–MS analysis and evaluate its bioactive potential in suppressing major fungal pathogens of crops. GC–MS identified multiple compounds, including eneicosane, ethyl phthalate, tetratriacontane, eicosane, docosane, heptacosane, 5,6-benzoquinoline, silicic acid, diethyl bis (trimethylsilyl) ester, oxasiloxane, and hexadecamethyl derivatives. The inhibitory activity of various concentrations of the aqueous seed extract was tested against Aspergillus spp., Pythium aphanidermatum, and Fusarium oxysporum. All concentrations showed antifungal activity, with the highest inhibition observed at 100% extract concentration. Aspergillus spp. were more sensitive to the extract than F. oxysporum and P. aphanidermatum. The 100% extract exhibited strong inhibitory effects on all tested pathogens. Overall, the findings demonstrate significant antimicrobial potential of sumac seed extract, attributable to its diverse bioactive constituents. © 2025 Mohammed H. Al-Mamoori, Meisam Zargar, Elena N. Pakina and Fatih Dadaşoğlu.