## 1 Introduction
According to [PERSON] (2022) [37] and [PERSON] (2003) [47], brown-rot fungi selectively decay structural carbohydrates with limited lignin degradation, while white rot fungi are not selective, depolymerizing all three major wood components (hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin); however, some kinds, such as _Phellinus pini_, decay only hemicellulose and lignin, making the cellulose relatively unaltered. To overcome the problem of wood alteration, numerous scientific investigations have been reported using some synthetic antifungal preservative agents (Fluconazole, itranazole, ketonazole), or fungistatic chemical preventive agents such as creosote or pentachlorophenol (organochlorine family) [37]. Some organochlorines, such as pentachlorobenzene and hexachlorobenzene, are well known by their toxicity and pollutant character to the environment, appertaining to the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) family, and are already banned by the Stockholm Convention [48]. Referring to a recent scientific report [17], the action of synthetic Fluconazole revealed a weak antifungal effect when compared to the effect of a natural EO mixture deriving from _A. arborescens_. Molds and blue stain fungi (sapstain) usually do not cause significant damage to the wood structure, but degrade the nutrient reserves of the wood (mainly extractives and water soluble components); however, _Apergillus niger, A. versicolor, Penicillin breviomapctum_, and _R Rhizps spp._ can attack wood and wood products [37]. Molds impact the mechanical resistance of the cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin chains, causing enormous disruption and alteration to the biopolymeric chain structures [49; 50; 51]. In addition, the molds are also known to be causative agents of food rot, leading to certain forms of toxicity and pathogenicity (toxi-infections) in humans and animals that have consumed altered food products [52]. Accordingly, this study deals with essential oils of the endemic plant _Artemisia herba-alba_, originating from the mountainous area of the Middle-Atlas (Morocco), and collected during the three periods of March, June, and September. It aims to:  
* Investigate the effects of the phenological stage, climatic conditions of growth, and season of harvesting on both essential oil yields and variability of the chemical compositions, with updated literature data up to 2022. * Evaluate the antibacterial effect against four pathogenic bacteria, aiming to support the potential uses of _A. herba-alba_ essential oil as an alternative and safe antimicrobial agent in food and health. * Determine the antifungal activity toward four types of wood rot fungi, known by their implication in the decay and biodegradation of wood biopolymeric chains and historical and cultural wooden monument structures, as well as the coloring change of rotten wood. The evaluation concerns antifungal activity toward three types of mold, selected on the basis of their involvement in the food alteration phenomenon (food rot), that could generate food infectious diseases to humans and animals. The main goal of this section of study is to support the application of _A. herba-alba_ essential oil as an alternative cofriendly and natural antifungal agent enabling the prevention and preservation of wood against decays, as well as the protection of food against alteration and infection in order to reduce food safety problems.