In vitro antifungal activity of several essential oils from aromatic plants of Aragón (NE, Spain)

In this study we have evaluated the antifungal activity of thirteen essential oils (EOs), collected in four different geographical areas of Aragon, north eastern Spain, against a selection of three strains of the genus Fusarium (Fusarium verticilloides CECT 2987, Fusarium verticilloides CECT 2982 and Fusarium graminearum CECT 2150). In vitro antifungal activity was evaluated by the disc diffusion method. Three of the EOs assayed (Thymus vulgaris Local, Thymus vulgaris French and Satureja montana) showed an important activity against the three strains studied by producing a zone diameter of inhibition ≥ 19 mm. In addition, Fusarium graminearum was the most sensitive strain against the essential oils studied. However, in those cases in which no inhibition was observed, it could be seen a lower growth density of the moulds inoculated than in the corresponding negative control. Therefore, more precise data about the antifungal activity of these EOs are needed.