Potential Effects of Essential Oils Extracted from Mediterranean Aromatic Plants on Target Weeds and Soil Microorganisms
Amira Jouini | Mercedes Verdeguer | Samuele Pinton | Fabrizio Araniti | Eristanna Palazzolo | Luigi Badalucco | Vito Armando Laudicina
Essential oils (EOs), extracted from aromatic plants, have been proposed as candidates to develop natural herbicides. This study aimed to evaluate the herbicidal potential of <i>Thymbra capitata</i> (L.) Cav., <i>Mentha × piperita</i> L. and <i>Santolina chamaecyparissus</i> L. essential oils (EOs) on <i>Avena fatua</i> L., <i>Echinochloa crus-galli</i> (L.) P. Beauv, <i>Portulaca oleracea</i> L. and <i>Amaranthus retroflexus</i> L. and their effects on soil microorganisms. A pot experiment was set up and three EOs at three doses were applied by irrigation. Efficacy and effects of EOs on weed growth were determined. Soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, microbial respiration, and the main microbial groups were determined at days 7, 28 and 56. EOs demonstrated herbicidal activity, increasing their toxicity with the dose. <i>T. capitata</i> was the most effective against all weeds at the maximum dose. <i>P. oleracea</i> was the most resistant weed. Soil microorganisms, after a transient upheaval period induced by the addition of EOs, recovered their initial function and biomass. <i>T. capitata</i> EO at the highest dose did not allow soil microorganisms to recover their initial functionality. EOs exhibited great potential as natural herbicides but the optimum dose of application must be identified to control weeds and not negatively affect soil microorganisms.
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