Analysis in vitro of the biological activity of essential oregan oils and thyme in fitopathogen fungus of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

The rice in one of agricultural products with greater demand in the country, because it is the basis of the Colombian diet and, therefore, its production and consumption need increases proportionally to the population. The yield of the crop is affected by fungal diseases. In this research work the fungicidal effect of the essential oils (AE) of oregano and thyme in concentrations of 500 and 1000ppm, obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger equipment, on strains of the phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium spp. found in the cultivation of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The tests were divided into three experimental groups, the first was with the AE, the second was the control and the third or last group was the commercial witness; these three using the PDA as a culture medium and incubating at 26ºC and 90%HR for seven days after inoculation; the control variable was the radial growth (mm) of the colony. The AE evaluated showed an inhibition of mycelial growth above 90%. For this reason, it is demonstrated that AE can become a viable option for the control of diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi.