Chemical fungicides have been intensively used in the control of decays in fruits in postharvest conditio nevertheless continuous use of these fungicides has faced two major obstacles; development of pathogen resistance to many key fungicides, and public knowledge on the health and environmental hazards of these compounds. This study evaluated the efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum A7, thyme ( Thymus vulgaris L.), cumin ( Cuminum cyminum L.), ajwain ( Carum Copticume L.) and cinnamon ( Cinnamomum verum) essential oils and the combination of these elements as postharvest biocontrol agents against Botrytis . on strawberry fruit. Thyme, ajwain and cinnamon oils revealed remarkable antifungal effect against Botrytis . in vitro, whereas the inhibitory effect of cumin oil was achieved in higher concentrations. In the case of using thyme oil (two hours after artificial inoculation of the fruit), among three tested concentrations, only 200 µL L -1 of this essential oil showed a considerable inhibitory effect on strawberry against Botrytis . for ajwain and cinnamon complete inhibitory effect was observed in 100 and 200 µL L -1 , while none of the concentrations of cumin oil could prevent decay significantly. Results showed that the combined treatment of strawberry fruit with L. plantarum + cumin oil (50 µL L -1 ), L. plantarum + thyme oil (100 µL L -1 ), L. plantarum + ajwain oil (50 µl) and L. plantarum + cumin oil (100 µl) resulted in remarkably improved control of Botrytis infections, in comparison to the application of L. plantarum A7 or essential oils alone. Quality ( i.e . pH, acidity and ascorbic acid content) and sensory attributes of the strawberry fruit were better in the case of using cumin, ajwain and cinnamon compared to thyme oil, when a combination of L. plantarum A7 and essential oils was used. In the case of dual use of essential oils, in non inoculated strawberries, the combination of cinnamon+thyme, cinnamon+cumin and cinnamon+ajwain in concentration 40 µL/L prevented decay inhibition 80, 40 and 25%, respectively. Whereas in inoculated strawberries with Botrytis , the combinations of cinnamon+thyme, cinnamon+ajwain and cinnamon+ cumin could prevent decay inhibition completely. Keywords : Essential oil, Antagonist, Ajwain, Thyme, Strawberry
