Study on three essential oils from Mentha piperita, Thymus daenensis and Satureja khuzistanica for controlling Penicillium expansum against of Apple Blue Mould

Fungi that cause decay on postharvest products produce extracellular hydrolases and cause damage on extent range of products. Some of the secondary metabolites in medicinal herbs are useful against fungi which may provide potential alternative for chemical compounds. In the present study، antifungal activity of some essential oils that extracted from Thymusdaenensis، Menthe piperita and Satureja khuzestanica، on prevention of fungal growth، Penicillium expansum decays on blue mold apple، was investigated. For this purpose، mixing method with PDA medium and applying the essential oil mixture in a final concentration of 600 microliters per liter was used in-vitro. The effect of storage conditions on apple fruit was assessed. Results showed that all three essential oils have a significant impact in preventing fungal growth، so that the essential oils of Thymus، Satureja and Mentha، respectively، at concentrations of 600، 300 and 600 microliters per liter showed prevention of fungal growth. On the other hand in some cases، consolidated application of the oils increased its antifungal properties. Generally with increasing concentrations of essential oils، activity of antifungal increased. Satureja khuzestanica essential oil had the best control and respectively Thymus daenensis، Menthe piperita، were next in the rankings.