Effects of essential oils to control rhizopus stolonifer in vitro and in vivo on strawberry

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal effects of essential oils (fennel, black caraway and anis) at different concentrations against the fungal pathogen, Rhizopus stolonifer, the causal agent of smooth rot disease of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch.) under in vitro and in vivo conditions.The results of in vitro showed the growth of R. stolonifer was completely inhibited by the application of fennel, anis and black caraway oils at concentrations 600 and 800 ΜL.L -1 , respectively. The results of in vivo indicated that fennel, anis and black caraway oils at all applied concentrations inhibited R. stolonifer growth on strawberry fruits compared with control. Also the mentioned oils at upper concentrations showed positive effects on fruit quality characteristics like titrable acidity, total soluble solids, anthocianin content, ascorbic acid and weight loss percentage. These essential oils inhibited to infection fruits by R. stolonifer and increased life storage fruits. The present research confirms antifungal effects of these essential oils of both in vitro and in vivo on fruit postharvest.