This study evaluated the physiological and biochemical responses of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to foliar application of cineole, carvacrol, and thymol at concentrations of 500 and 1000 ppm. Carvacrol at 1000 ppm significantly enhanced fresh biomass (+15.4%) and aerial biomass (+46.2%), whereas thymol significantly reduced plant height (−20.2%) and overall biomass, yet notably increased chlorophyll content (+23.3%) and vitamin C levels (+41.4%) at the same concentration. Cineole significantly improved antioxidant capacity by increasing total phenolic content (+15.5% at 1000 ppm) and total flavonoid content (+19.1% at 500 ppm), but simultaneously decreased soluble protein synthesis and chlorophyll content (−39% at 500 ppm). Mineral analysis showed notable increases in calcium content following treatment with cineole (+30.5% at 1000 ppm) and carvacrol (+32% at 500 ppm), while thymol at 1000 ppm significantly reduced phosphorus, potassium, manganese, iron, copper, and zinc accumulation. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations revealed strong interactions of thymol and carvacrol with essential enzymes, specifically ascorbate peroxidase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, which are involved in antioxidant and phenolic metabolism pathways. These molecular interactions suggest potential contributions of thymol and carvacrol to plant stress resilience mechanisms, although further experimental validation is needed to confirm their roles in vivo. These findings emphasize the importance of optimizing monoterpene concentrations, indicating that carefully calibrated treatments could effectively enhance chickpea growth, nutritional quality, and stress tolerance within sustainable agricultural practices.

The antifungal and antioxidant properties of essential oils (EOs) derived from four plants were assessed in vitro: Rosmarinus officinalis, Myrtus communis, Origanum compactum, and Eugenia aromatica. These plants are renowned for their diverse biological activities. Antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and TAC tests. Antifungal activity was tested against four postharvest pathogens associated with chickpea in storage: Fusarium culmorum, Rhizopus oryzae, Penicillium italicum, and Aspergillus niger, using the broth microdilution technique. Additionally, the efficacy of several major compounds against fungi found in the EOs 1,8-cineole, carvacrol, and eugenol was evaluated. Furthermore, this study explored the potential synergy of combining eugenol and carvacrol in various ratios. Based on the results, E. aromatica EO exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, as evidenced by its lowest IC₅₀ values for a DPPH of 0.006 mg/mL. This EO also demonstrated the best antifungal activity, with MIC values ranging from 0.098 to 0.13 μL/mL. The high concentration of eugenol in this oil was identified as a contributing factor to its potent antifungal effects. The individual application of eugenol displayed significant antifungal efficacy, which was further enhanced by incorporating carvacrol at a 1:3 ratio. This synergistic combination presents promising potential for the development of specific formulations aimed at optimizing grain protection during storage.