EVALUATION OF MYRRH (COMMIPHORA MOLMOL) ESSENTIAL OIL ACTIVITY AGAINST SOME STORAGE FUNGI

The antifungal activity of Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) essential oil was tested against three storage fungi, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and Penicillium citrinum. Results showed inhibitory effect of the oil against tested fungi with the increasing concentrations. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using agar dilution method was 4% (v/v) for A. niger and A. flavus and above 4% (v/v) for P. citrinum. Concentration (0.5-2)% (v/v) of oil also affected the sporulation of these fungi causing reduction or complete inhibition of sporulation process. Effect of Myrrh essential oil was also noticeable on spores germination, concentration of 4% (v/v) of oil inhibited complete germination of A. niger spores whereas this concentration caused 90% inhibition of A. flavus spores. Activity of vapour of Myrrh essential oil was investigated using a Petri dish atmosphere. Results showed inhibitory effect of the vapour with the increasing volume of essential oil added. MIC of vapour was (100) μl or slightly higher for all fungi.