Author: R. Noveriza, D. Manohara, D. Sondari, H. Herawati, W.K. Restu, R. Warman, Melati and Wartono

DOI: http://doi.org/10.31788/RJC.2026.1929575

Essential oils have been widely investigated as natural antifungal agents due to their broad-spectrumantimicrobial activity and relatively low environmental toxicity. However, their practical application in plant disease management remains limited because of high volatility, poor water solubility, and rapid degradation under environmental conditions. This study investigated the encapsulation of a synergistic blend of essential oils (eucalyptus, citronella, and clove) using biopolymer-based carriers to enhance stability and antifungal efficacy. Four hydrocolloids—carboxymethyl cellulose, chitosan, glucomannan, and alginate—were evaluated with maltodextrin as the primarywall material. Among the tested formulations, chitosan-based microcapsules (EEoC) showed the smallest particlesize (1.92 µm) and improved structural stability, as confirmed by FTIR analysis. Morphological observationsrevealed spherical-to-oval particles with rough surfaces, while the low moisture content indicated favourable storagestability. In vitro antifungal assays demonstrated that EEoC at 1% concentration completely inhibited the mycelial growth of Phytophthora capsici. These results demonstrate that chitosan-based encapsulation effectively enhancesthe stability and antifungal performance of essential oils, suggesting its potential as a sustainable alternative for plant disease management. This formulation provides a promising eco-friendly strategy for developing plant-basedfungicides in sustainable agriculture.

Keywords: Microencapsulation; Hydrocolloid Matrix; Maltodextrin Carrier; Controlled Release; Plant PathogenControl; Biopolymer Formulation.