Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a destructive pathogen of several economically important crops, including soybean, pea, bean, canola and sunflower. This pathogen exhibits little host singularity and has a host range that includes more than 400 primarily dicotyledonous plant species. In this study, the inhibitory effects of 5 essential oils and 4 microelements against S. sclerotiorum were examined. Cinnamon, cloy and mint oils completely inhibited the in vivo mycelial growth of the fungus at all concentrations. In addition, iron exhibited a marked antimicrobial effect against S. sclerotiorum. A soil application containing cinnamon oil significantly reduced the incidence of disease caused by S. sclerotiorum, producing 75% plant survival compared to the control. Calcium also significantly reduced the disease incidence that giving 80% living plants.