Phytotoxic Effects of Three Origanum Species Extracts and Essential Oil on Seed Germinations and Seedling Growths of Four Weed Species

Abstract

The use of chemical pesticides to protect agricultural products is a global concern because of their adverse effects on the environment and public health. To avoid the dangers of synthetic herbicides, research has turned to natural alternatives. This study was conducted to evaluate the allelopathic effect of essential oil (EO) extracted from Origanum syriacum, Origanum onites, and Origanum majorana. In addition, the chemical composition of the essential oil was elucidated by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. A total of 11 different components of O.syriacum were identified, and the main components were carvacrol (88.49), p-Cymene (5.71), γ-Terpinene (1.63), β-Caryoplhyllene (1.48), and Terpinen-4-ol (0.65), respectively. For O. onites, 10 different compounds were identified, and the main components were carvacrol (58.65), Thymol (30.97), Linalool (4.17), p-Cymene (1.94), and β-Caryoplhyllene (0.98), respectively. Finally, for O. majorana, 14 different compounds were identified, and the main components were carvacrol (40.57), α-Terpineol (29.28), p-Cymene (9.02), γ-Terpinene (5.80), and carvacrol methyl ether (3.46). Finally, 14 compounds from the Origanum majorana species were identified, with carvacrol (40.57), -Terpineol (29.28), p-Cymene (9.02), and -Terpinene (5.80) as the parent compound (3.46). Oxygenated monoterpenes were the highest in all species’ EO content. EOs and plant extracts were tested at 5, 10, and 20 L/Petri concentrations against seed germination and seedling growth in four weed species (Thlaspi arvense, Amaranthus retroflexus, Rumex cripus, and Lactuca serriola). The concentrations of essential oil were set as 5, 10, and 20 µL/Petri dishes for seed germination. In the greenhouse experiment, the final concentration of solutions was set as 20 µL and the solutions were directly sprayed on the surface of the weeds, and the mortality rates were noted after 24 and 48 h of application. It was observed that increasing the application decreased seed germination. The phytotoxic effects on the seedling germination in the greenhouse were observed, resulting in 48.76–94% mortality rates. Consequently, the essential oil from Origanum species could be considered as an alternative bio-herbicide to tested weeds.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Antifungal and Herbicidal Activities of Essential Oils from Three Thymus Species

“…In particular, the phytotoxic effect of essential oils was higher than the commercial herbicide at 24 hours. Furthermore, between (Kordali et al, 2015). At the same time, it can be said that this may be related to the plant leaf structure and the cuticle layer.…”

Plant Essential Oils as Biopesticides: Applications, Mechanisms, Innovations, and Constraints

“…α -pinene, α -cedrol, δ -3-carene, germacrene D, β -pinene, and limonene were identified as the major EO components in these studies [ 64 , 65 ]. Similarly, PEOs (dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)–water solution) of various Origanum species ( Origanum syriacum L., O. onites L., and O. majorana L.) (at 5, 10, and 20 µL Petri −1 ) decreased the rate of germination of various weeds, including Thlaspi arvense L., A. retroflexus , Rumex crispus L., and Lactuca serriola L., in Petri plate assays and greenhouse experiments [ 66 ]. Carvacrol, thymol, and α -terpineol were majorly present in these oils [ 66 ].…”

“…Similarly, PEOs (dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)–water solution) of various Origanum species ( Origanum syriacum L., O. onites L., and O. majorana L.) (at 5, 10, and 20 µL Petri −1 ) decreased the rate of germination of various weeds, including Thlaspi arvense L., A. retroflexus , Rumex crispus L., and Lactuca serriola L., in Petri plate assays and greenhouse experiments [ 66 ]. Carvacrol, thymol, and α -terpineol were majorly present in these oils [ 66 ]. From the above studies, the herbicidal effects of different PEOs or their constituents are readily apparent, which means attempts to replace the use of synthetic herbicides with natural plant products can be tried on a large scale.…”

Chemical Diversity, Yield, and Quality of Aromatic Plants

“…Research has focused on natural alternatives to avoid the dangers of synthetic herbicides. Kordali et al [21] conducted a study to evaluate the allelopathic effect of EOs extracted from Origanum syriacum, O. onites, and O. majorana. In O. syriacum oil, the main constituents were carvacrol (88.49%), p-cymene (5.71%), γ-terpinene (1.63%), β-caryophyllene (1.48%), and terpinene-4-ol (0.65%).…”