Résumé:
This study investigates the properties and antifungal potential of essential oils extracted from
Thymus vulgaris, Lavandula stoechas ssp. pedunculata, and Ruta montana, which grow naturally in
the Guelma region of Algeria. The plants were tested against Aspergillus niger and Zymoseptoria
tritici. Hydrodistillation technique is used to extract the essential oils, employing a Clevenger-type
apparatus, the highest yield of EO is obtained from Thymus vulgaris, followed by Lavandula stoechas
and then Ruta montana. Antifungal activity is evaluated using the disc diffusion method for oils using
4 treatments (Thymus vulgaris EO, Lavandula stoechas EO, Ruta montana EO, and a mixture of
Lavandula stoechas EO and Ruta montana EO v/v), and 4 volumes of pure EO for each
treatment/pathogen. The study reveals satisfactory antifungal activity against the studied pathogens at
the tested volumes of essential oils from all plant species. These results contribute to understanding
the antifungal potential of these essential oils, highlighting their potential as natural alternatives to
control plant pathogens and reduce crop losses while protecting the environment
