Comparative Assessment of the Biocidal Potential of 3 Essential Oils

Abstract

Essential oils can be used as wood preservatives with antifungal properties. These kinds of products can be considered potential ecological wood preservatives for special applications, such as furniture conservation. The present paper refers to a laboratory screening test designed to allow a quick and reliable evaluation of the potential biotical effect of 3 types of essential oils. The tested products were: basil (Ocimum Basilicum), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oils at 4 different concentrations. Two types of fungi were employed as biological materials: white rot (Trametes Versicolor) and brown rot (Postia placenta). Oregano and thyme essential oils demonstrated biocidal effect against both tested fungi, being more active against brown rot than white rot. This effect depends on the concentration of the essential oils. The biocidal potential of basil essential oil is very low.