Antifungal Activities of the Essential Oils on Post Harvest Disease Agent Aspergilus flavus

Abstract

Antifungal Activities of the Essential Oils obtained from Hyssopus officinalis, Cuminum cyminum, Thymus vulgaris and cones of Cupressus arizonica were invistigated against Aspergilus flavus. Different concentrations of essential oils on conidial germination and germ tube elongation erer 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 these essential oils 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 spores in some levels inhibited and other decreased the growth of Aspergillus flavus . GC-MS analysis of the chemical composition of essential oils were investigated to determine their different componenet. Data showed essential oil of Cuminum was more effective in comparision with others. Furthermore, the study suggests that these essential oils can be used as preservatives in foods.