Application of methanolic extracts of Thymus vulgaris, Peganum harmala, Cuminum cyminum and Stachys lavandulifolia in control of Fusarium culmorum and F. graminearum in laboratory and green house conditions

Fusarium culmorum and F. graminearum are causal agents of the important disease of cereals that lead to extensive yield and quality loss of wheat. Due to the hazardous effect of chemical compounds, alternative method to control these pathogens in the field is necessary. In this study, the effects of methanolic extract of Thymus vulgaris, Peganum harmala,Cuminum cyminum and Stachys lavandulifolia on mycelial growth of these  species was studied in laboratory and green house conditions. The antimicrobial activity of these pathogens was determined through poison food assay at 250, 500, 750 and 1000 ppm concentrations. Among all methanolic extracts, T. vulgaris extract at concentration of 1000 ppm was potentially effective against F. culmorum by 81.25%. Also, methanolic extracts of P. harmala at concentration of 1000 ppm showed high antifungal activity against F. graminearum by 82.33%. Thymus vulgaris extract had the lowest MIC value (1 mg/ml) and MFC value (2 mg/ml) for F. culmorum. Also, Peganum harmala extract had the lowest MIC value (0.78 mg/ml) and MFC value (1.56 mg/ml) for F. graminearum. Methanolic extract of T. vulgaris and P. harmala were effective in incrising wet and dry weight of roots and shoots in greenhouse condition, too.