**2. Results**

#### *2.1. Screening of Antifungal Activity of Studied EOs*

Antifungal activity of *M. spicata* and *M. longifolia* EOs at various concentrations (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1.0%, and 1.25%) was investigated against *F. oxysporum*. The average reductions in *F. oxysporum* radial growth in response to *M. spicata* and *M. longifolia* EOs colloid treatment are shown in the graph (Figure 1).

All tested concentrations exhibited varied inhibitory activity compared with positive control fungicide (nystatin 0.005%) and the untreated experimental control. Inhibition of mycelium growth increased with time and complete growth reduction was achieved after 7 days of incubation at 28 ± 2 ◦C in the case of *M. longifolia* EOs at 1.0% and 1.25%. Whereas, the highest significant growth inhibition (92.55\*\* ± 0.08% and 90.63\*\* ± 0.04) was achieved in the case of *M. spicata* EO (1.25%) and nystatin (0.005%), respectively, compared with control. The lowest insignificant growth inhibition, 14.33 ns%, was obtained with *M. spicata* EO at 0.25%.

**Figure 1.** Effects of the two studied EOs at different concentrations on mycelial growth reduction percentages of *F. oxysporum* after 7 days of incubation at 28 ± 2 ◦C.
