Biocides application as a natural and safe alternative for treating and protecting citrus fruits

Liquid formulations (emulsifiable concentrates) were prepared from the essential oils of fennel, peppermint and caraway. Different concentrations of the formulated oils were prepared. The prepared concentrations were tested in vivo for their inhibitory activity against the growth of Penicillium digitatum (the casual agent of green rot on citrus fruits). The results demonstrated that different concentrations of the formulated fennel, peppermint and caraway oils exerted highly toxicity against the inoculated fungus. Moreover, all formulated oils with different forms showed high activity for controlling the decay when applied as protective or therapeutic agents.