Apple pathogens: Organic essential oils as an alternative solution

Fusarium avenaceum, Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium expansum, and Neofabraea vagabunda, represent postharvest diseases which cause significant apple losses. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the effects organic essential oils (EOs) (Thymus vulgaris, Lavandula angustifolia, Rosmarinus officinalis) against pathogens both in vitro vivo, as an integrated management tool. By GC–MS analysis a total 101 compounds principally belonging groups terpenes terpenoids were detected extracted EOs. In results showed T. vulgaris most active EO, agar infusion or biofumigant. Through infusion, starting from lowest concentration (0.2 mL L?1), reduced by 74.9%, 86.1%, 66.9%, 45.7% F. B. P. N. vagabunda mycelial growth, respectively; biofumigant, it completely inhibited growth all tested pathogens. Application EOs on apples through dipping treatment displayed some potential inhibit above-mentioned pathogens, especially L. angustifolia. efficacy these is probably strictly correlated chemical composition.