Abstract

The antifungal activities of anise oil, lime oil, and tangerine oil against molds identified from rubberwood surfaces (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Penicillium sp.) were investigated. The broth dilution method was employed to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) using the concentration of essential oils between 20 and 200 μl ml^-1. Inhibitory effects of the essential oils against those molds on rubberwood were also examined by means of the dip treatment and vacuum impregnation treatment. It was found that the MIC and MFC values for each treatment on agar were identical for all conditions examined. Anise oil was the strongest inhibitor with the MIC and MFC of 40 μl ml^-1 against Penicillium sp. and A. niger, and 60 μl ml^-1 against P. chrysogenum. Lime oil and tangerine oil were also effective against those molds at higher concentrations of 100-180 μl ml^-1. All essential oils at the MIC and MFC provided a protection from mold growth on rubberwood for at least 12 weeks at storage conditions of 30 °C with 100% RH. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.