antibacterial activity of essential oils from thymus vulgaris, trachyspermum ammi and mentha aquatica against erwinia carotovora in vitro

background & aim:  the aim of this study was to assess the bactericidal effect of three medicinal plant species, including thymus vulgaris, trachyspermum ammi, and mentha aquatica on erwinia carotovora growth. experimental: this research was done in a factorial to completely randomized design with three concentrations, and three replicates on nutrient agar culture medium. results &discussion: results of this study indicated that the essential oils from the studied plants were effective against erwinia carotovora. at 300 ppm concentration, diameter of growth inhabitation was 43 mm. results indicated the essential oil from t. ammi, especially at 300 and 400 ppm concentrations had the highest antibacterial activity against erwinia carotovora with 43.00 and 46.67 mm diameter of growth inhabitation. in addition, there was no significant difference between 300 and 400 ppm concentrations of m. aquatica and at concentrations of 200, 300, and 400 ppm for t. vulgaris. recommended applications/industries: the overall results indicated the essential oils, especially trachyspermum ammi have antibacterial activity against erwinia carotovora; it seems that the essential oils can be employed in manufacturing desirable bactericidal agents.