The present study aimed was to determine the chemical composition of Baccharis trimera and Foeniculum vulgare essential oils (EOs) and their in vitro and in vivo effect against Colletotrichum fructicola, the causal agent of bitter rot in apple. Chemical composition of EOs was determined by GC-MS and their effect against C. fructicola was evaluated in vitro by mycelial growth and conidia germination and in vivo by reducing disease symptoms on postharvest apples. The major compound found in B.

more »

... mera EO was carquejyl acetate (74.71%) and in F. vulgare EO was estragole (88.47%). In the in vitro tests, B. trimera EO showed a fungistatic action, while F. vulgare EO presented fungicidal action against mycelial growth. Both EOs showed complete inhibition of conidia germination. In the in vivo assay, both EOs tested were inefficient in reducing disease severity caused by C. fructicola, in preventive and curative treatment. These results are promising and indicate that the EOs might be further investigated as a natural alternative to synthetic fungicides for apple bitter rot control due to its in vitro fungicidal effect.