Biocidal activity of the essential oils of Lantana camara , Ocimum sanctum and Tagetes patula

Abstract

Essential oils of Lantana camara, Ocimum sanctum and Tagetes patula leaves were evaluated for antibacterial and antifungal activity. L. camara oil was also evaluated for larvicidal activity against different mosquito larvae. The growth of Bacillus megatarim and Staphylococcus aureus was inhibited at 1600 ppm. But, L. camara oil was able to inhibit the growth of Kliebsella sp only at higher concentrations compared to other two oils. L. camara oil was effective in inhibiting the growth of fungi, Aspergillus niger, and reducing the growth of other fungi. At a dosage of 200 ppm of oil, 100 % mortality of Culex quinquefasciarus larvae was obtained in 15 min. The bioactivity of L. camara oil is comparable or better than that of oils from O. sanctum and T. patula, against the strains tested.