Work

Eugenol as a Seed Treatment for Controlling Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium in Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Seeds Under Controlled Environmental Agriculture

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: • Eugenol solutions reduce E. coli O157:H7 by 4-5 log CFU/g within the first 48 hrs. • Eugenol reduces Salmonella on basil seeds by 4-5 log CFU/g within the first 48 hr. • Eugenol concentrations of 0.5% and 1% demonstrate similar effectiveness. • Minimal significant effects on seed germination and biomass production. • Eugenol solution loses efficacy after 48 hrs. Recent foodborne outbreaks linked to basil ( Ocimum basilicum L.) highlight the urgent need for effective intervention strategies covering the entire production cycle from seed to harvest. Foodborne pathogens, particularly E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium, pose significant public health risks when associated with fresh produce. Seeds serve as a primary vector for pathogen transmission, with contamination often originating from irrigation water, manure, or cross-contamination during handling. Traditional seed disinfection methods, such as chlorine-based treatments and hydrogen peroxide, have limited efficacy in reducing pathogens while maintaining seed viability. Eugenol has been shown to be an effective foodborne pathogen intervention in a variety of produce types. This study investigates the potential of eugenol (0.5%, 0.75%, 1.0%), a phenolic monoterpenoid, as a seed treatment to control E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium and quality parameters on basil seeds over 14 days. All eugenol concentrations reduced pathogen loads by 4–5 log CFU/g at hr 0. However, antimicrobial efficacy declined significantly over time, with regrowth observed by 48 hrs, resulting in microbial levels not significantly different from the untreated control (p > 0.05). The 0.5% eugenol treatment consistently minimized negative impacts on germination rates (p > 0.05) and biomass (p < 0.05), offering the best balance between microbial control and plant health. These results underscore eugenol’s potential as a short-term surface disinfectant for basil seeds and emphasize the need for combined strategies to sustain long-term efficacy.

Source: Journal of Food Protection

DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100643

Authors: Liliana Avaroma, Angela M. Walla, Ronny Barrera, Leslie D. Thompson, Catherine Simpson

Institution: Texas Tech University

Language: English

Topic: Listeria monocytogenes in Food Safety

Subfield: Biotechnology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,300