Evaluation of the antifungal activity of essential oils against <i>Alternaria alternata</i> causing fruit rot of <i>Eriobotrya japonica</i>

Abstract Objectives The study was aimed to evaluate the effect of essential oils against fungal pathogens including chemical analysis (GC-MS) most effective oil. Methods antifungal assessed after morpho-molecular identification Alternaria alternata . Mycelial growth inhibition (%) in vitro treatment eight at different concentrations observed A. Fungitoxicity assay done following composition by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Direct application thyme oil performed on healthy fruits Results All showed mycelial levels, whereas found more efficacious Chemical detected 32 components and thymol a higher percentage. significant concentration with varying decrease decaying Conclusions Investigation this proved as potential eco-friendly botanical fungicide effectively used loquat fruit. current explored that could be potentially its compounds further investigated for development approaches control postharvest fruit rots.