Abstract
Abstract Essential oils from Monarda fistulosa L., Satureja pilosa Vel., Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum Ietswaart. (Greek oregano), Micromeria dalmatica Benth., Thymus longedentatus (Degen & Urum.) Ronniger, and Artemisa campestris L. were evaluated as inhibitors of seed germination in target plants Lolium perenne L. and Trifolium pratense L. using in vitro assays. The essential oils were applied on the seeds as aqueous solutions at concentrations ranging from 0.5–3.0 µL/mL. Complete inhibition was established at a concentration of 1.5 µL/mL with the most effective essential oils. Oregano oil was evaluated for its inhibitory activity on seed germination under field conditions; the essential oil was applied as an aqueous solution at concentrations of 3, 5, and 10 µL/mL on superabsorbent Terawet. The mass obtained was mixed with the seeds of the target plants and planted in a field. After 1 month, the results were evaluated based on the weight of the aerial parts of the plants from control and experimental areas. At the highest concentration studied, the weight of the plants was 77% lower in the experimental areas than in the controls. The chemical composition of the essential oils was analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results showed that carvacrol-rich essential oils had a strong inhibitory effect on seed germination. The inclusion of the essential oil on a superabsorbent was a good way to preserve its herbicidal activity under field conditions as this prevented its rapid evaporation.
Highlights
E use of natural products for controlling crop pests is a priority in modern organic farming
Carvacrol was identified as the main component of the essential oils in M. fistulosa, S. pilosa, and O. vulgare subsp. hirtum
A monoterpene phenol – carvacrol – was identified as the main component in S. pilosa, M. fistulosa, and O. vulgare subsp. hirtum essential oils. ese results agree with previously reported data (Ghosh et al, 2020; Mancini et al, 2014; Semerdjieva et al, 2020). e essential oil profile of T. longedentatus was reported in our previous study (Aneva et al, 2019)
Summary
E use of natural products for controlling crop pests is a priority in modern organic farming.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
