Inhibit Pathogen Growth Research Articles

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus OF44 with Potent Antimicrobial Activity: Evidence from the Complete Genome and Phenotypic Analysis.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus is extensively studied, with some strains widely applied for enhancing human health. Complete genome analysis is crucial for the functional exploration of probiotics. This study aimed to investigate the potential of L. rhamnosus OF44 (OF44) to promote human health through complete genome and phenotypic analysis. The complete genome sequence of OF44 was 2,978,769bp, with 2791 CDSs and an average GC content of 47%. In vitro experiments demonstrated that OF44 had a broad carbon source fermentation capacity. Resistance gene analysis and simulated digestion tests confirmed the favorable tolerance of OF44 under harsh conditions, suggesting its potential as an oral supplement. OF44 possessed various potential genes related to bioactive substances with antimicrobial activity, such as antimicrobial peptides, lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and exopolysaccharides, most of which were detected in vitro. Further, OF44 exhibited significant growth inhibition capacities against pathogens from the gut, vagina, skin, and mouth, likely due to high co-aggregation with pathogens, multiple antimicrobial peptide clusters, and adhesin gene clusters. Additionally, oral administration of OF44 was found to reduce the pH and inflammation levels in the vaginal microenvironment of rats with bacterial vaginosis. Therefore, OF44 exhibited probiotic properties in improving reproductive tract bacterial infections by modulating vaginal microbiota balance and inhibiting pathogen growth. In summary, this study provided a new perspective on the application of OF44 as a supplement in the food and pharmaceutical fields.

The multifaceted bHLH25 in H₂O₂-mediated immune responses.

The transcription factor bHLH25 acts as a H2O2 sensor in rice. Oxidized bHLH25 boosts lignin production to strengthen cell walls against pathogens, while non-oxidized bHLH25 activates phytoalexins to inhibit pathogen growth. This dual role balances defense and growth, offering a potential strategy for engineering disease-resistant crops without yield loss.

Light-driven zinc oxide quantum dots control pear fire blight disease by inhibiting pathogen growth and modulating plant defense response.

Light-driven zinc oxide quantum dots control pear fire blight disease by inhibiting pathogen growth and modulating plant defense response.

Genome mining to elucidate antimicrobial and plant growth promoting potentials in Lactic acid bacteria

Abstract The pangenome of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was constructed with five bacterial strains isolated from oat silage produced by smallholder farmers from a region in the highlands of the Colombian Andes. The goal of this work was to use genome mining to elucidate some potential mechanisms of action associated with plant growth promotion and biocontrol in LAB. Multiple genes were uncovered, including those associated with antibiosis and antimicrobial compound production, genes that induce plant defense and phytohormone activation. Additionally, genome sequencing suggested mechanisms for LAB to protect against abiotic and biotic stress. Furthermore, genes that may improve phosphorus availability and those that might stimulate root growth were present. We then tested some of these findings in vitro. For instance, the biocontrol activity of these strains was evaluated against the fungal pathogens Fusarium oxsyporum f. sp. cubense (Foc R1 and Foc TR4) and the bacterial pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs). All tested strains showed the ability to significantly inhibit pathogen growth in vitro. The capability of LAB to grow at high concentrations of fusaric acid was demonstrated, suggesting that LAB might have detoxification mechanisms to compete with other microorganisms. Also, the ability of LAB to solubilize phosphate and produce IAA was demonstrated. These two properties might be involved in plant-growth promotion. Here we show that genomic sequencing can be an efficient tool to identify putative biocontrol or plant-growth promoting related sequences for genome mining.

The PopbZIP2-PopMYB4 regulatory module enhances disease resistance in poplars by modulating proanthocyanidin accumulation.

Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, is a significant fungal disease that affects poplar trees globally, leading to reduced yields and substantial economic losses. Proanthocyanidins (PAs) play a key role in resistance to fungal pathogens; however, the mechanisms by which PAs mediate resistance to anthracnose in poplar remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified PopbZIP2, a transcription factor-encoding gene that was initially expressed in infected leaves and subsequently in uninfected leaves in response to C. gloeosporioides infection. As a transcriptional activator, PopbZIP2 can bind to the promoters of target genes PopGRF3 and PopAPA1, increasing proanthocyanidin levels in cells to enhance defense against pathogens. It is noteworthy that the PopAPA1 protein can directly inhibit pathogen growth. We further demonstrated that PopMYB4 can interact with PopbZIP2, reducing its promoter binding activity and thereby inhibiting the expression of PopGRF3 and PopAPA1. Overexpression of PopMYB4 led to sensitivity to the pathogen C. gloeosporiodes. Under normal conditions, the soluble and insoluble proanthocyanidin contents in PopMYB4 transgenic plants were significantly lower compared to the control. The dual regulation of immune responses by the PopMYB4-PopbZIP2 module unveils a novel regulatory mechanism in Populus, enhancing our understanding of the complex networks governing immune responses.

Evaluation of Novel Broad-spectrum Fungicides for Management of Rice Blast and Sheath Blight under In-vitro and Field Conditions

The present study evaluated the efficacy of eight novel fungicidal treatments against Magnaporthe oryzae (Blast) and Rhizoctonia solani (Sheath blight) under both in-vitro and field conditions. In-vitro efficacy against M. oryzae revealed that, complete pathogen growth inhibition (100%) was exhibited by treatments T2 (Picoxystrobin 7% + Propiconazole 12% EC @ 2.0 ml/L), T3 (Pyraclostrobin 100 g/L @ 2.0 ml/L), T4 (Fluxapyroxad 62.5 g/L + Epoxiconazole 62.5 g/L EC @ 1.5 ml/L), T6 (Propiconazole 20% EC @ 1.0 ml/L) and T7 (Isoprothiolane 40% EC @ 1.5 ml/L) at recommended doses. Whereas, at half-recommended doses, T2 and T3 still maintained high efficacy with inhibition rate of 91.8% and 90.7%. Similarly, for R. solani, treatments T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 also showed complete inhibition at their recommended doses, while T1 and T7 achieved 82.6% and 91.2% inhibition respectively. At half-recommended doses, T2, T3, T4 and T5 registered the cent per cent inhibition, while T1 and T7 showed 79.2% and 81.9%, respectively. In field trials conducted during kharif, 2020 to 2022 revealed that, the treatment T1 notably reduced sheath blight severity to 36.1%, compared to 61.8% in untreated control and achieved the lowest neck blast severity (6.3%) and realised highest yield (7097 kg/ha) and ICBR (1:7.9), and significantly far surpassing the control yield (5144 kg/ha). The triazole-strobilurins combination demonstrated broad-spectrum efficacy, achieving 62.7% and 18.3% reduction in neck blast and sheath blight respectively compared to standard fungicides. These findings underscore the potential of novel combination fungicides in enhancing disease management and yield while lowering the number of sprays and costs to the rice farmers.

Photocatalytic degradation of trimethoprim and growth inhibition of pathogens using g-C3N4/AgMoO4 heterojunction catalyst

Photocatalytic degradation of trimethoprim and growth inhibition of pathogens using g-C3N4/AgMoO4 heterojunction catalyst

Construction of Composite Microorganisms and Their Physiological Mechanisms of Postharvest Disease Control in Red Grapes.

Red grapes often suffer from postharvest diseases like blue mold and black mold caused by Penicillium expansum and Aspergillus niger. Biological control using beneficial yeasts and bacteria is an effective method to manage these diseases. Rhodotorula sp. and Bacillus sp. are effective microorganisms for the control of postharvest diseases of red grapes. This study combined two yeast strains (Rhodotorula graminis and Rhodotorula babjevae) and two bacterial strains (Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus velezensis) to investigate their biological control effects on major postharvest diseases of red grapes and explore the underlying physiological mechanisms. Research showed that compound microorganism W3 outperformed the others; it reduced spore germination and germ tube growth of P. expansum and A. niger, while its volatiles further inhibited pathogen growth. Additionally, the treatment enhanced the antioxidant capacity of grapes and increased resistance to pathogens by boosting peroxidase activities, superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonolyase, and polyphenol oxidase. Furthermore, the combined treatment increased the activity and accumulation of antifungal compounds such as total phenols and flavonoids, thereby improving disease resistance and reducing decay. Therefore, composite microorganisms combining various antagonistic strains may offer a viable substitute for tackling postharvest diseases in red grapes.

The Utilization of Bacillus spp. as Endophytes in Enhancing Plant Resistance and Health Against Fusarium oxysporum : A Mini Review

Fusarium oxysporum is a destructive pathogen responsible for significant losses in chili (Capsicum spp.) and other crops. Traditional chemical control methods pose environmental and health risks, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives. This review explores the role of Bacillus spp. as endophytic biocontrol agents in combating F. oxysporum. Species such as B. subtilis, B. mojavensis, and B. velezensis exhibit antifungal activity through the production of hydrolytic enzymes (e.g., glucanase, cellulase, and chitinase) and secondary metabolites like lipopeptides and antibiotics, which inhibit pathogen growth. Furthermore, these bacteria enhance plant health by inducing systemic resistance, promoting root development, and creating a rhizosphere environment unfavorable to pathogens. Their synergistic interactions with other beneficial microorganisms further bolster plant defense and productivity. Molecular and physiological analyses confirm the efficacy of Bacillus spp. in reducing disease severity and improving plant resilience. Continued research into their mechanisms and field application can support more sustainable agricultural practices.

The Combination of α-Fe2O3 NP and Trichoderma sp. Improves Antifungal Activity Against Fusarium Wilt.

Soil-borne plant pathogens are the most damaging pathogens responsible for severe crop damage. A conventional chemotherapy approach to these pathogens has numerous environmental issues, while biological control agents (BCAs) are less promising under field conditions. There is an immediate need to develop an integrated strategy for utilizing nanoparticles and biocontrol to manage soil-borne pathogens, such as Fusarium wilt, effectively. Simulation of BCA metabolites to nanoparticle biocontrol metabolites is considered the most effective biocontrol approach. Combining Fe2O3 nanoparticles and Trichoderma in nursery and field conditions manages pathogens and increases plant growth characteristics. The present study evaluated the commercial biocontrol strains and the use of NPFe in combination with Trichoderma harzianum to enhance the biocontrol potential of T. harzianum against soil-borne pathogens. The effectiveness of (NPFe + T. harzianum) was evaluated under in vitro conditions where combination was found most effective upto (87.63%) mycelial growth inhibition of pathogen and under field conditions lowest pooled Fusarium wilt incidence (19.54%) was recorded. Nanocomposites are beneficial for agricultural sustainability and environmental safety by upregulating the expression of genes linked to these processes, Fe NPs can activate plant defense mechanisms and increase plant resistance to pathogenic invasions. Additionally, as iron is a necessary component for plant growth and development, Fe NPs promote better nutrient uptake.

Therapeutic potential of Bacillus-derived lipopeptides in controlling enteropathogens and modulating immune responses to mitigate post-weaning diarrhea in swine.

Post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) is a major concern for pig producers, as stress and early weaning increase susceptibility to enteropathogens like enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium). This study explores the immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties of lipopeptide extracts (LPEs) from Bacillus strains which contain surfactin (SF) - an immunomodulatory lipopeptide - and their potential in mitigating PWD. Pre-incubation with LPEs from B. subtilis TC12, containing 1, 40 and 60µg/ml SF, stimulated TNF-α production significantly (p < 0.05) in LPS-challenged RAW 264.7 cells. In contrast, B. velezensis MFF 2.2 LPE, containing 0.1 and 1µg/ml SF, reduced TNF-α production by macrophages after LPS-challenge. The production of IFN-γ by these cells was not affected by pre-incubation with any of the extracts. On the other hand, all treatments significantly decreased (p < 0.05) IL-10 production. LPEs significantly reduced (p < 0.05) NO production; however, neither TC12 nor MFF 2.2 LPEs affected macrophage phagocytic activity or bactericidal capacity and, in addition, LPEs showed bacteriostatic activity towards S. Typhimurium and ETEC. Also, LPEs did not affect RAW 264.7 viability (> 90%) in concentrations up to 60µg/ml SF for TC 12 and 1µg/ml for MFF 2.2. These findings suggest that LPEs from native Bacillus possess immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties, which could help control inflammation and inhibit pathogen growth during piglet weaning. According to preliminary in vivo studies, LPEs might offer a promising alternative to reduce antibiotic usage in pig husbandry.

BTS1-knockout Saccharomyces cerevisiae with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity through lactic acid accumulation.

Bacterial infections pose significant threats to human health, and prudent antibiotic use remains a key strategy for disease treatment and control. However, a global escalation of drug resistance among pathogenic bacteria presents a formidable challenge. Probiotics have emerged as a promising approach to combating pathogenic bacterial infections. In this study, we investigated the antibacterial activity of BTS1-knockout (BTS1-KO) Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Our findings demonstrate its effective inhibition of pathogen growth as evidenced by Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, growth curves, bacteriostatic spectrum analyses and co-culture experiments. Additionally, it significantly impedes Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation. Moreover, BTS1-KO S. cerevisiae exhibits low haemolytic activity, acid resistance, resistance to high bile salt concentrations, high auto-aggregation capacity and high co-aggregation capacities with pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, infected larvae treated with BTS1-KO S. cerevisiae in Galleria mellonella-E. coli (in vivo) and G. mellonella-S. aureus (in vivo) infection models showed significantly prolonged survival times. Mechanistic investigations revealed that BTS1-KO S. cerevisiae primarily produced lactic acid via metabolism, thereby lowering the environmental pH and inhibiting pathogenic bacterial growth. In summary, our study underscores the probiotic potential of BTS1-KO S. cerevisiae, offering broad-spectrum antibacterial activity in vitro and in vivo with low toxicity. This highlights BTS1-KO S. cerevisiae as a promising probiotic candidate for clinical prevention and control of bacterial infection.

Ralstonia solanacearum infection induces tobacco root to secrete chemoattractants to recruit antagonistic bacteria and defensive compounds to inhibit pathogen.

Plant root exudates play crucial roles in maintaining the structure and function of the whole belowground ecosystem and regulating the interactions between roots and soil microorganisms. Ralstonia solanacearum causes bacterial wilt disease in many plants, while root exudate-mediated inhibition of pathogen infection is poorly understood. Here, we characterize the chemical divergence between root exudates of healthy and diseased tobacco plants and the effects of that variability on the rhizosphere microbial community and the occurrence of bacterial wilt. Compared with the healthy plants, root exudates in diseased plants showed distinct exudation patterns and metabolite profiles including increased amounts of flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, terpenoids and defense-related hormones, as well as distinct bacterial community composition, as illustrated by an increased abundance of Ralstonia and decreased abundances of Bacillus and Streptomyces in diseased plants rhizosphere. Pathogen infection stimulated roots to secrete more defensive compounds to inhibit pathogen growth. Change of root exudates modulated rhizosphere microbial community. Specific root exudates could benefit plants by attracting antagonistic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and inhibiting pathogens. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens could utilize specific root exudates as carbon sources. Benzyl cinnamatel promoted the biofilm formation and colonization of B. amyloliquefaciens on roots. To defend against pathogen invasion, tobacco plants recruited antagonistic and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria to the rhizosphere by modifying root exudate profiles. Specific signal molecules are recommended to recruit beneficial microorganisms for controlling bacterial wilt. The results provide insights concerning the metabolic divergence of root exudates integral to understanding root-microorganism interaction. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Secondary metabolites and extracellular proteases contribute to the antagonistic action of indigenous Trichoderma strains against Botrytis cinerea.

Secondary metabolites and extracellular proteases contribute to the antagonistic action of indigenous Trichoderma strains against Botrytis cinerea.

Survey of Rice Sheath Blight Disease in Kuttanad and Effect of Biocontrol Agents and Fungicides against Rhizoctonia solani

Aims: Rice is an important crop cultivated worldwide, whose production is influenced by numerous factors like pest, disease, weather parameters. In India, diseases accounts for 35 per cent in yield reduction, with sheath blight being significant. This disease is notably prevalent in Kuttanad region of Kerala. This study involves a survey conducted in Kuttanad to assess the extent of the disease and in vitro management using biocontrol agents and fungicides. Study Design: Study was outlined in Completely Randomised Design (CRD) to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of bioagents. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani and M.S. Swaminathan Rice Research Station, Moncompu, between 2022 and 2023 Methodology: Survey was conducted in forty locations of Kuttanad in which the disease incidence was recorded and samples were collected. The isolates obtained were tested for pathogenicity by artificial inoculation on rice variety, Uma. Cultural characteristics of isolates were studied. The virulent culture obtained was further advanced for the in vitro studies with biocontrol agents and fungicides. The inhibition of fungal growth was also recorded. Results: Forty isolates of sheath blight pathogen (Rhizoctonia solani) were obtained. The virulent isolate among these was identified on the basis of number of days taken for symptom development by artificial inoculation and this was further advanced for the in vitro studies. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens was found to be more effective with an inhibition percentage of 68.64. Among the tested fungicides, Kresoxim methyl 40% + Hexaconazole 8% WG showed cent per cent growth inhibition of pathogen at 500 and 1000 ppm concentrations which was on par with Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Difenoconazole 11.4% SC at 1000 ppm. Conclusion: From this study, it can be concluded that, that these biocontrol agents and fungicides are very effective in the management of the pathogen and hence can be used for further field-level studies in management of the disease.

In vitro Efficacy of Different Fungicides against Leaf Blight of Sunflower

Sunflower is one of the major oilseed crops cultivated in India. Alternaria leaf blight is one of the fungal diseases of Sunflower caused due the pathogen Alternaria helianthi, which is one of the significant limitations in the cost-effective cultivation of Sunflower in India. It is estimated that 20 to 80% losses in yield and heavy defoliation have been observed due to A. helianthi causal agent of leaf blight of Sunflower. Present investigation on evaluation on efficacy of different fungicides against leaf blight of Sunflower under in vitro condition by using Completely Randomized Design was conducted at Department of Plant Pathology, Dr. Sharadchandra Pawar College of Agriculture, Baramati during. Under this study seven fungicides viz., Chlorothalonil 75% WP, Hexaconazole 5% EC, Carbendazim+Mancozeb 75% WP, Carbendazim 50% WP, Tebuconazole 25.9% EC, Propiconazole 25% EC and Azoxystrobin 23% SC were evaluated against the pathogen Alternaria helianthi causing leaf blight in Sunflower at their recommended concentration and observation on mean radial mycelial growth and percent mycelial growth inhibition of pathogen was calculated. Results revealed that among various fungicides the three fungicides viz., Hexaconazole 5% EC, Tebuconazole 25.9% EC and Propiconazole 25% EC were found most effective with minimum mean mycelial growth and having maximum and similar (94.44%) percent growth inhibition of pathogen and rest of the fungicides tested were comparatively less effective against the pathogen A. helainthi associated with leaf blight of Sunflower.

Dietary Probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici GKA4, Dead Probiotic GKA4, and Postbiotic GKA4 Improves Cisplatin-Induced AKI by Autophagy and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Organic Ion Transporters.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) syndrome is distinguished by a quick decline in renal excretory capacity and usually diagnosed by the presence of elevated nitrogen metabolism end products and/or diminished urine output. AKI frequently occurs in hospital patients, and there are no existing specific treatments available to diminish its occurrence or expedite recovery. For an extended period in the food industry, Pediococcus acidilactici has been distinguished by its robust bacteriocin production, effectively inhibiting pathogen growth during fermentation and storage. In this study, the aim is to assess the effectiveness of P. acidilactici GKA4, dead probiotic GKA4, and postbiotic GKA4 against cisplatin-induced AKI in an animal model. The experimental protocol involves a ten-day oral administration of GKA4, dead probiotic GKA4, and postbiotic GKA4 to mice, with a cisplatin intraperitoneal injection being given on the seventh day to induce AKI. The findings indicated the significant alleviation of the renal histopathological changes and serum biomarkers of GKA4, dead probiotic GKA4, and postbiotic GKA4 in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. GKA4, dead probiotic GKA4, and postbiotic GKA4 elevated the expression levels of HO-1 and decreased the expression levels of Nrf-2 proteins. In addition, the administration of GKA4, dead probiotic GKA4, and postbiotic GKA4 significantly reduced the expression of apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase 3), autophagy-related proteins (LC3B, p62, and Beclin1), and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related proteins (GRP78, PERK, ATF-6, IRE1, CHOP, and Caspase 12) in kidney tissues. Notably, GKA4, dead probiotic GKA4, and postbiotic GKA4 also upregulated the levels of proteins related to organic anion transporters and organic cation transporters. Overall, the potential therapeutic benefits of GKA4, dead probiotic GKA4, and postbiotic GKA4 are significant, particularly after cisplatin treatment. This is achieved by modulating apoptosis, autophagy, ER stress, and transporter proteins to alleviate oxidative stress.

Comparative In vitro Assessment of Fungicides for Managing Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. capsici in Chilli

Chilli wilt disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. capsici, significantly threatens chili cultivation, impacting yield and quality. This study aimed to evaluate the fungi-toxic effects of various fungicides against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. capsici under in vitro conditions. Eight different fungicides viz., Tebuconazole 6.7 % + Captan 26.9 % w/w SC, Thiophenate Methyl 70% WP, Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP, Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% WG, Carbendazim 50% WP, Pyraclostrobin 20% WG, Chlorothalonil 75% WP and Azoxystrobin 18.2%+ Difenoconazole 11.4% SC were tested at a concentration of 500 ppm and 1000 ppm using the Poison food technique. The experiment was designed using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and conducted at the Department of Plant Pathology, Dr. Sharadchandra Pawar College of Agriculture, Baramati, during the academic year 2023-24. All fungicides significantly (P &lt; 0.01) inhibited the mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. capsici, with Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP showing the highest efficacy, followed by Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% WG and Tebuconazole 6.7 % + Captan 26.9 % w/w SC across both concentrations. This study suggests that the inhibition of pathogen growth increased with higher fungicide concentrations.

Interpenetrated Polymer Network Systems (PEG/PNIPAAm) Using Gamma Irradiation: Biological Evaluation for Potential Biomedical Applications

The potential antimicrobial and antibiofouling properties of previously synthesized PEG/NiPAAm interpenetrated polymer networks (IPNs) were investigated against three of the most common bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis). The main goal was to evaluate the material’s biocompatibility and determine its potential use as an antifouling component in medical devices. This was intended to provide an alternative option that avoids drug usage as the primary treatment, thus contributing to the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Additionally, characterization and mechanical testing of the IPN were carried out to determine its resistance to manipulation processes in medical/surgical procedures. IPNs with different NiPAAm ratios exhibited excellent cytocompatibility with BALB/3T3 murine fibroblast cells, with cell viability values of between 90 and 98%. In addition, the results regarding the adsorption of albumin as a model protein showed a nearly constant adsorption percentage of almost zero. Furthermore, the bacterial inhibition tests yielded promising results, demonstrating effective pathogen growth inhibition after 48 h. These findings suggest the material’s suitability for use in biomedical applications.

Antifungal activity of thyme, oregano and laurel essential oils against Aspergillus niger Tiegh

A range of pathogenic fungi are associated with postharvest fruit spoilage in storage that cause significant economic losses every year. To control postharvest mycoses, fungicide application is the usual practice. However, the use of essential oils as an alternative strategy to chemical fungicides has been considered for management of the postharvest fruit decay in order to ensure nonnegative impact on human health. Mycotoxigenic fungi Aspergillus niger Tiegh. is economically important pathogen which causes postharvest black rot on various fruits. The present study evaluated the vapor phase antifungal activity of three essential oils - thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) against postharvest pathogen A. niger. The antifungal activity of selected essential oils were evaluated by disc volatilization method on PDA medium. The vapor phase of all tested oils showed a significant (p &amp;lt; 0.05) fungistatic growth inhibition of pathogen A. niger, where thyme oil achieved the highest pathogen inhibition (99.8%), while laurel oil was less effective (36.3%). The obtained results suggest that the tested vapor phase (especially of thyme and oregano oils) could potentially be extremely useful fumigants to prevent and control the fruit rot in storage.