Abstract
Background: Fruit peels are generally underutilized byproducts of the food industry, although they are valuable sources of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study is to evaluate a new application for three Citrus peel EOs as bio-herbicides. Methods: After a micro-morphological evaluation of Citrus peels by SEM analysis, the phytochemical composition of the EOs of Citrus × bergamia Risso & Poit., Citrus × myrtifolia Raf., and Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck was characterized by GC/FID and GC/MS analyses. The in vitro phytotoxicity against germination and initial radical elongation of several crop and weed species was evaluated. Furthermore, the eco-compatibility of these EOs has been assessed by the brine shrimp (Artemia salina) lethality assay. Results: SEM analysis highlighted the morphometric differences of the schizolysigenous pockets among the peels of the three Citrus species. Oxygenated monoterpenes are the main constituents in C. × bergamia (51.09%), whereas monoterpene hydrocarbons represent the most abundant compounds in C. × myrtifolia (82.15%) and C. limon (80.33%) EOs. They showed marked and selective phytotoxic activity in vitro, often at very low concentration (0.1 μg/mL) against all plant species investigated, without showing any toxicity on Artemia salina, opening the perspective of their use as safe bio-herbicides.
Highlights
The Citrus genus belongs to the Rutaceae family and is characterized by fruits with distinctive aroma and delightful taste [1]
Oxygenated monoterpenes are the main constituents in C. × bergamia (51.09%) essential oil (EO), whereas monoterpene hydrocarbons represent the most abundant compounds in C. × myrtifolia (82.15%) and
No significant difference between the saline and solvent control was observed, indicating that
Summary
The Citrus genus belongs to the Rutaceae family and is characterized by fruits with distinctive aroma and delightful taste [1]. Citrus fruit peel shows many oil glands rich in essential oil (EO) but is an unexploited byproduct for juice production [3]. Bergamot fruit peel [Citrus × bergamia Risso & Poit.] is used for the extraction of EO for food and cosmetic industry. Bergamia Risso & Poit., Citrus × myrtifolia Raf., and Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck was characterized by GC/FID and GC/MS analyses. × myrtifolia (82.15%) and C. limon (80.33%) EOs. Oxygenated monoterpenes are the main constituents in C. × myrtifolia (82.15%) and C. limon (80.33%) EOs They showed marked and selective phytotoxic activity in vitro, often at very low concentration (0.1 μg/mL) against all plant species investigated, without showing any toxicity on Artemia salina, opening the perspective of their use as safe bio-herbicides
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