Azadeh Keshavarz - M. Sc. Student of Plant pathology, Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medicinal Science, Shiraz, Iran
Parissa Taheri - Associate professor of Plant Pathology, Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Amir-Reza Hamidian shirazi - Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medicinal Science, Shiraz, Iran

Essential oils are complex volatile compounds, naturally synthesized by various parts of the plant during the secondary metabolism of plants. In nature, essential oils play an important role in the protection of the plants as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, insecticides and also against herbivores by reducing their appetite for such plants. Recently the essential oils as a new method to control plant disease. In this study the effect of essential oil of Satureja hortensis was prepared by using a Clevenger apparatus and its antifungal effect on Rhizoctonia solani was investigated based on mixing essential oil with medium with three replicates. Evaluation of antifungal activity of essential oil was tested at different concentrations (i.e. 0-600ppm). No growth at concentration more than 600ppm. In section survey of enzyme activity, the essential oil reduces cellulose activity but over time, the effect of essential oil decreased. Results of this practice show that compounds of essential oil reduce fungal growth and enzyme activity. Considering that the production of cellulose enzyme is one of the most important mechanisms influencing penetration to the host, thus reducing the amount of secreted enzymes by essential oil effect on pathogenic mechanisms and cellulose gene expression. Thus, these results show that essential oils could be used as better supplements or alternatives against the pathogenic microorganisms.

Essential oil, Antifungal activity, Satureja hortensis, Rhizoctonia solani