INHIBITORY EFFECT OF ESSENTIAL OILS ON THE GROWTH OF Aspergillus flavus

Abstract

The effects of 16 essential oils from aromatic plants were tested for their inhibitory effect on Aspergillus flavus IMI 242684 on PDA. The results showed that the essential oil of white wood (Melaleuca cajeputi) gave the highest inhibition followed by the essential oils of cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) and lavender (Lavandula officinalis), respectively. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of these three essential oils at different concentrations were examined. It was found that the essential oil of white wood at 1.5625 % (v/v) and of cinnamon and lavender at 50% (v/v) were the optimum concentrations for fungal growth inhibition. The essential oil of white wood at 25 % (v/v) completely inhibited the growth of A. flavus IMI 242684 on PDA for 28 days.