Use Of Synthetic Herbicides Research Articles

Phytotoxicity of phenolic compounds of Pistacia vera leaves and its potential use as bioherbicide

In recent years, the intensive and uncontrolled use of synthetic herbicides has resulted in severe soil and water contamination, inducing herbicide resistance and damage to living organisms. The aim of this work was to study the potential bioherbicidal effect of extracts obtained from pistachio leaves. Aqueous extracts (3, 6, 12, and 25%) were prepared and their inhibitory effect on three weed species (Lolium rigidum, Solanum nigrum, and Lactuca serriola) and four crops (maize cv. Celestquatro, barley cv. Yurico, wheat cv. Rimbaud, and lentil cv. Castellana) was studied. Germination bioassays in Petri dishes and in vivo tests on organic and inert substrates were carried out with the extracts. In addition, the phenolic compounds present in the extracts were analysed and germination bioassays of the pure and individual compounds identified were performed. The results showed that the extracts caused a significant suppression of germination in weeds, being more remarkable for broadleaf species. For crops, no adverse effects on germination rates were observed. Inert substrate experiments showed a stronger inhibitory influence on weed germination, whereas organic substrate did not. Autumn leaf extracts showed a higher content of total phenols. Component analysis and bioassay showed that gallic acid, catechin, myricetin, and rutin were identified as individual phenolic compounds in the extracts and demonstrated some allelopathic activity. It may be concluded that pistachio leaf extracts had season-varied allelopathic activity, which is attributed to the combined bioactivity with those individual phenolic compounds.

Innovations in Agricultural Bio-Inputs: Commercial Products Developed in Argentina and Brazil

Innovations in agricultural bio-inputs can lead to sustainable alternatives to replace synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. However, there is no clear understanding of what technologies can become available to farmers as commercial products, particularly in developing countries. This study summarizes the innovations used in commercial products in Argentina and Brazil based on the countries’ official data and on in-depth surveys conducted with 14 bio-input private companies. The results reveal ongoing development efforts to improve traditional products, such as inoculants that help plants fix nitrogen. There is also progress in mastering the formulation of new bio-inputs, such as bio-fertilizers that promote plant growth and bio-pesticides for pest control. Lastly, the next generation of bio-inputs composed of phytovaccines promises to help prepare plants’ immune systems against the attack of pathogenic fungi and bacteria, while bio-herbicides can potentially reduce the use of synthetic herbicides to prepare fields for harvest. Domestic companies based in Argentina and Brazil play an important role in these innovations that can underpin bio-economy growth in developing countries.

New Perspective on the Use of α-Bisabolol for Weed Control.

The indiscriminate use of synthetic herbicides reduces its effectiveness. Bioherbicides produced with metabolites emerge as an alternative to managing weeds. We aimed to analyze the phytotoxic potential of the essential oil of Vanillosmopsis arborea (EOVA) and the α-bisabolol molecule, its main component. We evaluated the effects of EOVA and α-bisabolol at different concentrations on the germination, growth, antioxidant metabolism, and photosynthesis of different species. EOVA and α-bisabolol showed promising phytotoxic effects on the germination and initial growth of the weed Senna occidentalis, inhibiting the activity of the antioxidant enzymes and increasing lipid peroxidation. α-Bisabolol reduced the weed seedling growth by inducing oxidative stress, which suggests a greater role in postemergence. Moreover, in the weed postemergence, both EOVA and α-bisabolol caused damage in the shoots, reduced the chlorophyll content, and increased lipid peroxidation besides reducing photosynthesis in S. occidentalis. Overall, we suggest the promising action of α-bisabolol and EOVA as bioherbicides for weed control.

Allelopathic Activity of Three Wild Mediterranean Asteraceae: Silybum marianum, Cynara cardunculus var. sylvestris, Galactites tomentosus

The manipulation of allelopathic mechanisms, such as the isolation of plant allelochemicals for bioherbicide production, is currently providing a new tool for weed management methods of reducing or potentially eliminating the use of synthetic herbicides. In Mediterranean agroecosystems, wild Asteraceae are the prevalent taxa, likely due to their allelopathic activity. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the allelopathic effects of the aqueous extracts obtained from milk thistle [Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn], wild cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L. var. sylvestris) and purple milk thistle (Galactites tomentosus Moench) on the seed germination, mean germination time, and seedling growth of three target weeds: Portulaca oleracea L., Taraxacum officinale (Weber) ex Wiggers and Anagallis arvensis L. The total polyphenol (TP), flavonoid (TF), flavonol (TFL), and phenolic acid (TPA) content in the aqueous extracts was also evaluated. Overall, the allelopathic effects were species-dependent and root length was the most affected parameter. All extracts completely inhibited root development in P. oleracea. Averaged over target weeds, C. cardunculus extract had the greatest allelopathic activity, followed by G. tomentosus and by S. marianum. In particular, C. cardunculus reduced seed germination by over 50% and increased the mean germination time by 154%, likely due to the highest TP (13.2 g kg−1 DM) and TPA (11.4 g kg−1 DM) content, compared to the other Asteraceae species. These results provide evidence of the phytotoxic activity of the three wild Asteraceae members and suggest their possible future exploitation as potential bioherbicides for sustainable weed management.

Study on the use of weed plants as bioherbicides: a review

Weeds are plants that are detrimental to cultivated plants if they live in the same area of life. The losses caused include reducing the production of cultivated plants. One effort to control weeds is the use of synthetic herbicides. However, excessive use of synthetic herbicides can cause problems, including reducing soil fertility, increasing weed resistance to herbicides and leaving residue. If herbicide residues are absorbed by plants and then the plants are eaten by humans, they can settle in the body and cause disease. This has triggered many researchers to look for other alternatives for weed control, namely environmentally friendly control. One of them is the use of bioherbicides. Weeds are one of the plants that have the potential to be used as bioherbicides. The ability of weed allelopathic compounds to inhibit growth has been used as a basis for developing bioherbicides. This article reviews weeds that have potential as bioherbicides, and the mechanisms of inhibition by allelochemical compounds.

INIBIDORES DO FOTOSSISTEMA II: UMA PERSPECTIVA ALELOQUÍMICA

PHOTOSYSTHEM II INHIBITORS: AN ALLELOCHEMICAL PERSPECTIVE. The process of photosynthesis involves the absorption of light energy by photosynthetic pigments found in the thylakoid membrane of chloroplasts in order to produce chemical energy. In the presence of photosynthetic inhibitors, plant development is affected mainly by the reduction of the electron chain, which leads to growth inhibition. In this context, chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence is an important technique used to identify the effects of inhibitors on the photosynthetic apparatus employing the JIP-test, which correlates the Chl a fluorescence transient to biophysical parameters, providing valuable information about the efficiency of photosystems I and II. Natural products have been highlighted as photosynthesis inhibitors due to the continued use of synthetic herbicides, which leads to the development of invasive plants resistant to these pesticides, in addition to the toxicity caused to humans and the environment. Thus, this review describes the main applications of extracts and isolated secondary metabolites obtained from plants and microorganisms in the investigation of electron transport inhibition on photosystem II.

Potential of different common (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and Tartary (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.) buckwheat accessions to sustainably manage surrounding weeds

Twenty-nine accessions of two buckwheat species (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench (common buckwheat) and Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn. (Tartary buckwheat) were evaluated for their allelopathic potential against two resistant weeds, the monocot Lolium rigidum Gaud. and the dicot Portulaca oleracea L. The bulking use of synthetic herbicides and their consequent contamination of the environment and resulting increment of herbicide-resistant weeds, imminently requires a solution to achieve sustainable weed management without chemical inputs. The results obtained in this study suggest that buckwheat accessions can sustainably manage weeds through plant interference as competition or allelopathy. This research showed that accessions differ in their potential for sustainably managing both weeds with F. esculentum accessions being more effective against L. rigidum and F. tataricum accessions against both, monocot and dicot weeds. The chemical profile of buckwheat accessions was evaluated to know the content of polyphenols in common and Tartary buckwheat accessions and to know more about their ability to manage weeds sustainably. Differences in the chemical profile between the two buckwheat species were clear. While common buckwheat accessions showed more orientin, vitexin and hyperoside, Tartary buckwheat accessions had higher amounts of rutin, quercetin and kaempferol. We propose that the screening and selection of accessions with strong polyphenol content and vigorous growth can be a step towards organic farming due to its relation to the weed management.

Study of Sambiloto Andrographis paniculate Ness. Extract as an Eco-Friendly Biocontrol on Weed Seed Germination and Growth

The use of synthetic herbicides causes many problems, including pollution, a decrease in soil organic content, and weed resistance to specific herbicides. Plants provide a source of novel phytotoxic compounds that can be evaluated in the search for efficient and ecologically safe herbicides. This research aimed to examine the allelochemical bioherbicidal activity of sambiloto (Andrographis paniculate Ness) leaf extract (SLE) to suppress weed seed germination and growth. The experiment was designed to investigate the effect of the SLE as a potent weed seed germination inhibitor and retard weed growth. In this experiment, a non-factorial randomized block design was used, with treatments SLE0 (0% Extract), SLE1 (Extract 0.1%), SLE2 (Extract 0.5%), SLE3 (Extract 1.0%), and SLE4 (Extract 1.5%). The result showed that weed height and biomass were significantly reduced after the extract was applied. The plant-based extracts contained 0.1114% flavonoids and 0.1628% tannins. The findings suggest that this sambiloto herbaceous extract has a promising future in modern plant protection as bioherbicide to suppress germination and weed growth. Therefore, the application of these bio-products could be beneficial for sustainable agricultural practices.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.): A Potential Allelopathic Crop - A Review

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one the oldest oilseed crop cultivated in India. It is cultivated as third crop in summer rice fallows or in marginal lands. Seeds of sesame are used for the extraction of oil, that contain many pharmaceutical and cosmetic properties. Research findings revealed that sesame contains many allelochemicals. The present review focuses on the allelopathic effect of sesame on weeds and crops. Exploring the allelopathic potential of sesame would help to develop bio-herbicides in future and reduce the use of synthetic herbicides in weed management. In addition to this, study on allelopathy of sesame would help to select suitable crops in rotation which are compatible to the sesame.

Morphoanatomical and Physiological Adaptations of Triticum aestivum L. against Allelopathic Extract of Trianthema portulacastrum L. (Horse purslane).

Weed infestation can be harmful to crop growth and cause severe losses in yield by absorbing nutrients and releasing inhibitory secondary metabolites and thus needs to be controlled for food security. The use of synthetic herbicides is one of the most widely applied methods, but its frequent usage is a serious threat to health and the environment and develops resistance in weeds. Allelopathy is an eco-friendly bio-control method, and Trianthema portulacastrum extracts are known to be effective against various weeds in the crop of Triticum aestivum (wheat), but their effect on the main crop (wheat) is still unknown. The pot experiment was carried out, and various concentrations (30, 60, and 100%) of root and shoot extracts of T. portulacastrum and a synthetic herbicide (Metafin Super) along with control (distilled water) were applied to the wheat plants. Various morphological, physiological, and anatomical parameters were recorded under natural conditions. The objective of this study was to explore the allelopathic impact of T. portulacastrum compared to the synthetic herbicide on the growth of wheat. This study displayed that various growth characteristics of wheat were significantly affected at p ≤ 0.05 by root and shoot water extracts of T. portulacastrum but were less inhibitory as compared to the synthetic herbicide. This inhibition of the growth of wheat was coupled with a significant increase in total free amino acids, K ions, CAT (catalase), proline, epidermal and cortical thickness, and abaxial stomatal density. In addition, a reduction in growth parameters was correlated with a decrease in photosynthetic pigments. This study revealed that the use of T. portulacastrum extracts could be safer than synthetic herbicides for wheat plants and would be beneficial to control weeds in a wheat field.

Integration of Sunflower and Sorghum Water Extracts Applied Alone or in Combination With Reduced Doses of Chevalier for Weed Control in Wheat

Field trial was conducted with the aim of utilizing extract of allelopathic crop to reduce the use of synthetic herbicides in wheat fields. Sorghum extract at 12 L /ha, sunflower extract at 12 L /ha, combination of sorghum and sunflower extracts at 12 L /ha and chevalier at 25, 50 and 100% of recommended dose were applied alone or in combination with each other. Weed free and weedy check treatments were included for comparison. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that the recommended dose of chevalier treatment recorded lowest means of weed density 15.7, 23.7, 25.3 and 27.9 weeds m-2and weeds dry weight 13.4, 16.4, 23.3 and 29.2 g m-2 and gave highest percentage of weed control 71.4, 67.4, 64.3 and 63.0% after 60, 75, 95 and 115 days of planting respectively, without significant difference on the sorghum water extract + sunflower water extract at 12L/ha +50% of treatment. Also, the recommended dose of chevalier treatment had highest mean of number of spikes 368.6 spike m-2, grain yield 5.75 ton ha-1, biological yield 17.70 ton ha-1 and harvest index 32.55% without significant difference in the sorghum water + sunflower water extracts at 12L/ha +50% of treatment in the grain yield and biological yield also without significant difference on the sorghum water extract + sunflower water extract at 12 L/ha) +33% of recommended chevalier treatment in the grain yield and biological yield. We can conclude that the allelopathic effects of sorghum and sunflower extracts with chevalier herbicide at half dose gave positive results in weeds control while improving the grain yield of wheat without a significant difference with the spraying of the chevalier herbicide at full dose.These results were a clear indication that the presence of the extracts had a synergistic or cumulative additive role with the low doses of chevalier herbicide that contributed to raising its efficacy in weeds control.

Multi-species rotational grazing of small ruminants regenerates undergrowth vegetation while controlling weeds in the oil palm silvopastoral system

CONTEXT.Prolonged use of synthetic herbicides to control weeds may cause adverse effects on the environment and human wellbeing. As a mitigation effort, commercial oil palm growers have been encouraged to adopt livestock integration as a holistic approach to manage weeds. Previous studies have suggested utilizing a multi-species livestock grazing may optimize the grazing impacts in silvopastoral agroforestry systems. OBJECTIVEPresent study examined the effects of small ruminant grazing (i.e., goats, sheep and multi-species) on undergrowth vegetation with the following specific objectives: 1) to investigate the effects of small ruminant grazing treatments on undergrowth vegetation composition in oil palm plantations; 2) to examine the variables (canopy cover, grazing treatments, and cycles) that influenced undergrowth vegetation (species richness, coverage, height, and dry weight) in oil palm plantations. METHODSWe established quadrats on experimental plots to detect changes in undergrowth vegetation composition, species diversity, coverage, height, and dry weight resulting from different grazing treatments. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSWe found that undergrowth vegetation composition varied between different grazing treatments. The multi-species livestock grazing effectively supress unwanted weeds (i.e., woody broadleaves) compared to single–species livestock grazing (i.e., goats, sheep). The use of single-species livestock grazing is likely to cause oil palm growers to use herbicides to control undesirable weeds. Hence, we concluded managing undergrowth vegetation in oil palm plantations using multi-species livestock grazing is a practical approach, and it should be fine-tuned for example by choosing livestock species based on the targeted objectives and the grazing sequence that will be practiced to regenerate the oil palm silvopastoral system. SIGNIFICANCEMulti-species livestock grazing can reduce oil palm growers' dependence on synthetic herbicides for weed control and optimize land use in oil palm plantation sector. On the other hand, the use of single species, whether goat or sheep-only, has caused unwanted undergrowth to increase after several grazing rotations have been carried out. Therefore, the use of multi-species grazing is a promising biological tool to reduce synthetic herbicide application in environmentally-sustainable oil palm plantations.

Specialized Metabolites Produced by Phytotopatogen Fungi to Control Weeds and Parasite Plants.

Weeds such as parasite plants are one of the most serious pests that farmers are forced to combat since the development of agriculture using different methods including mechanic and agronomy strategies. These pests have generated significant losses of agrarian and herding production, constituting a serious impediment for agricultural activities in reforestation practices and in important infrastructures. All these serious problems have induced the expansive and massive use of synthetic herbicides, which represents one of the main cause of environmental pollution, as well as serious risks for human and animal health. An alternative environmental friendly control method could be the use of bioherbicides based on suitably bioformulated natural products, of which the main ones are fungal phytotoxins. This review covers the literature from 1980 to the present (2022) and concerns fungal phytotoxins with potential herbicidal activity in order to obtain their efficacy as bioherbicides for practical application in agriculture. Furthermore, some bioherbicides based on microbial toxic metabolites are commercially available, and their application in field, mode of action and future perspectives are also discussed.

Testing the role of allelochemicals in different wheat cultivars to sustainably manage weeds.

Selecting wheat varieties with allelopathic potential or high competitiveness against weeds is a sustainable solution for organic farming to eliminate the use of synthetic herbicides. Wheat is one of the most economically important crops. This study focuses on screening the allelopathic or competitive potential of four wheat cultivars, Maurizio, NS 40S, Adesso and Element, on two weeds of interest due to acquired herbicide resistance, Portulaca oleracea and Lolium rigidum, through germination and growth bioassays and the identification and quantification of benzoxazinoids (BXZs) and polyphenols (phenolic acids and flavonoids). The different cultivars showed different abilities to manage surrounding weeds and different capacity to exude or accumulate specialized metabolites in the presence of those weeds. Furthermore, each cultivar behaved differently depending on the weed present in the medium. The most efficient cultivar to control the tested monocot and dicot weeds was Maurizio, as it effectively controlled germination and growth of L. rigidum and P. oleracea while exuding large amounts of benzoxazinones through the roots, especially the hydroxamic acids 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one and dihydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxaxin-3(4H)-one. By contrast, NS 40S, Adesso and Element showed the potential to control the growth of just one of the two weeds through allelopathy or competition. This study reveals that Maurizio is the most promising wheat cultivar for sustainable weed control, and that the screening of crop varieties with allelopathic potential, which results in the displacement of synthetic herbicides, is an immediate solution in ecological and sustainable agriculture. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Synthesis of Aminophenoxazinones and Evaluation of Their Phytotoxicity in the Search for New Natural Herbicides

Natural products have been postulated as an alternative to the use of synthetic herbicides in pest control. The latter compounds have caused numerous problems and these include the appearance of resistance to such herbicides. Aminophenoxazinones are natural products that have shown multiple biological activities, such as pharmacological or phytotoxic effects. In the case of phytotoxicity, the mode of action of aminophenoxazinones has not been widely exploited in agriculture and resistant weeds have not been reported to date. This fact makes aminophenoxazinones promising candidates in the development of herbicides. In the study reported here, seven aminophenoxazinone derivatives have been synthesized and their phytotoxicity has been evaluated on wheat coleoptiles and two important agricultural weeds (Lolium rigidum and Portulaca oleracea). Several derivatives have shown phytotoxic activity, which is similar to the positive control pendimethalin, and even higher in some cases at the highest concentrations tested. The most affected parameter in weeds was root length and the most susceptible weed was P. oleracea. Compound 2, in which nitrogen atoms are present in the heterocycles, was the most active and this was followed by compound 1. Modifications at C-8 led to a reduced activity, with the exception of the nitro compound on the root length of P. oleracea. However, the phytotoxicity also increased on introducing an iodo-substituent at C-4. The results highlight aminophenoxazinones as promising candidates in the development of natural herbicides.

Invasive plants and agri-food waste extracts as sustainable alternatives for the pre-emergence urban weed control in Portugal Central Region

ABSTRACT The continued use of synthetic herbicides to control weeds leads to environmental pollution and health issues. Consequently, chemical formulations have been increasingly banned. However, sustainable solutions are lacking in the market. Alternatively, valorisation of phytotoxic waste to reduce the herbicides use promotes sustainability, meeting circular economy. We aimed at assessing the herbicidal potential of aqueous extracts of waste from the management of invasive plants (Acacia dealbata bark, Oxalis pes-caprae biomass) and agri-food (spent coffee grounds) on common urban weeds (Achillea ageratum, Conyza canadensis and Dittrichia viscosa) in Portugal. In vitro (paper and soil) and pot assays (soil) were conducted to test the pre-emergence (germination and seedlings) and post-emergence (well-stablished plants) effect of waste extracts on these weeds. Extracts reduced pre-emergence performance of weeds, but marginally affected post-emergence parameters. Germination was inhibited up to 83% by O. pes-caprae in A. ageratum, up to 88% and 87% by A. dealbata and O. pes-caprae in C. canadensis, and up to 70% by concentration in D. viscosa. A. dealbata and O. pes-caprae extracts also drastically reduced radicle length (30% and 55% in A. ageratum, 77% and 81% in C. canadensis, 90% and 92% in D. viscosa, respectively). However, soil neutralized the inhibitory pre-emergence effect. The main findings highlight that the use of A. dealbata and O. pes-caprae extracts as bioherbicides may require an additional synthetic herbicides application, as extracts alone cannot fully control urban weeds in areas without soil. Combining bioherbicides and commercial formulations still reduces the application of toxic chemicals, promoting sustainability.

Effectiveness Of Bioherbicide Kiambang (Salvinia molesta) on Growth of Gogo Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The main problem of upland rice cultivation is the presence of weeds, which cause a decrease in the quantity and quality of crop yields. Generally, farmers use synthetic herbicides to control weeds. One way to reduce the use of synthetic herbicides is by using kiambang extract bioherbicides which are applied to weeds. Currently, there is no research to determine the effect of kiambang extract on upland rice germination. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of kiambang bioherbicide on the germination phase of upland rice by giving several concentrations of kiambang bioherbicide. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 concentration treatments, namely 2,4-D herbicide, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% bioherbicide. Kiambang extract concentration was repeated 3 applicates for each replication; each experimental unit consisted of three Petri dishes containing 25 rice seeds. The research parameters were germination percentage, germination rate, length of the plumule, and radicle. Observational data were analyzed using analysis of variance (F test) at a level of 5% and continued with the Least Significance Different (LSD) test at a level of 5% to determine the difference between treatments. The results showed that the bioherbicide extract of kiambang (Salvinia molesta) 20% did not inhibit seed germination, but the seeds grew abnormally, while concentrations of 40%, 60%, and 80% inhibited germination.

Synthesis of novel glycerol-fluorinated triazole derivatives and evaluation of their phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic activities.

The control of weeds in agriculture is mainly conducted with the use of synthetic herbicides. However, environmental and human health concerns and increased resistance of weeds to existing herbicides have increased the pressure on researchers to find new active ingredients for weed control which present low toxicity to non-target organisms, are environmentally safe, and can be applied at low concentrations. It is herein described the synthesis of glycerol-fluorinated triazole derivatives and evaluation of their phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic activities. Starting from glycerol, ten fluorinated triazole derivatives were prepared in four steps. The assessment of them on Lactuca sativa revealed that they present effects on phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic parameters with different degrees of efficiency. The compounds 4a, 4b, 4d, 4e, 4i, and 4j have pre-emergent inhibition behavior, while all the investigated compounds showed post emergent effect. Mechanism of action as clastogenic, aneugenic, and epigenetic were observed in the lettuce root meristematic cells, with alterations as stick chromosome, bridge, delay, c-metaphase, and loss. It is believed that glycerol-fluorinated triazole derivatives possess a scaffold that can be explored towards the development of new chemicals for the control of weed species.

DYNAMIC OF INDOLE ALKALOIDS IN A SOIL AND ITS RELATIONSHIPS WITH ALLELOPATHIC PROPERTIES

Allelopathy is one of the alternatives used for integrated weed management (IWM), in order to minimize the use of synthetic herbicides. Allelopathy is defined as the effect produced by a chemical released by a donor plant on the development of another competitive recipient plant.

Phytotoxicity of Hesperozygis ringens (Benth.) Epling essential oil on Eragrostis plana Nees

Natural products derived from native plant species may be an alternative for the control of invasive exotic plants, thus reducing the use of synthetic herbicides. The present study evaluated the phytotoxicity of the essential oil of Hesperozygis ringens (Benth.) Epling, a native plant to the Pampa Biome, as an alternative for the control of Eragrostis plana Nees, an invasive exotic plant from the South Brazilian grasslands. The effect of the essential oil and pulegone, its major component, on germination and initial plant growth was evaluated at concentrations 0 (control), 0.001%, 0.0025%, 0.005%, 0.01%, and 0.02% (v/v). Furthermore, chlorophyll concentration, hydrogen peroxide accumulation, and loss of plasma membrane integrity were evaluated in adult plants at concentrations of 0 (control) and 0.02% for 48 and 60 h. Germination and root/shoot development were negatively affected starting at the concentration of 0.001%, with the most evident results at higher essential oil concentrations. Reduced chlorophyll concentration and tissue damage, due to hydrogen peroxide accumulation as well as loss of plasma membrane integrity, were also observed, thus showing the potential for this essential oil to control E. plana. Pulegone also had inhibitory effects during E. plana germination and seedling formation. Field studies must be conducted to check potential toxic effects on the environment and to determine its applicability as a natural herbicide.