Antifungal Activities of the Essential Oils on Post-harvest Disease Agent Penicillium digitatum (original) (raw)

Antifungal activities of the essential oils obtained from Hyssopus officinalis, Cuminum cyminum, Thymus vulgaris and cones of cupressus arizonica were investigated against Aspergilus flavus. Different concentrations of the essential oils on conidial germination and germ tube elongation were determined in-vitro. Essential oils applied in 5 levels, included 0 (as control), 0.125, 0.25, 0.375 and 0.5 %. The antifungal activities of the these essential oils were evaluated by disc diffusion method on PDA medium. The results showed that the essential oil of all plants affected the growth of Aspergillus flavus under in-vitro conditions. Aspergillus flavus sopres in control treatment filled the petridish medium on second day of experiment, but essential oils treatments in some levels inhibited and in others decreased the growth of Aspergillus flavus. GC-MS analysis of the chemical composition of essential oils were investigated to determine their different component. Data showed essential oil of Cuminum cyminum was more effective in comparison whit others. Furthermore, the study suggests that these essential oils can be used as preservatives in foods.