Influence of Different Strains of Azotobacter on Essential Oil Components of Garden Thyme

Garden thyme, a member of Lamiaceae family, has a very important role in phytotherapy. Thymol and carvacrol are the major principal constituents of thyme oil. The composition and quantity of essential oil from a particular species of thyme plant could be markedly affected by environmental and agronomical factors. Application of bio fertilizers can improve environmental conditions and human health. Azotobacter is one of the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). This study focused on the effects of different strains of Azotobacter on essential oil components of garden thyme. The treatments were different strains of Azotobacter (strains 5, 9, 12, 30) and comparing them to control (without using bacteria). Experiment was carried out using a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Oil components were affected by strains. The highest value of thymol (61.55%) and carvacrol (8.41%) were at strain 30 and strain 9, respectively.