Phytotoxic potential of essential oil of Melaleuca leucadendra against some agricultural weeds

Abstract

The work was undertaken to investigate the phytotoxic potential of essential oil from Melaleuca leucadendra against three weed species, viz., Echinochloa crus-galli, Cyperus rotundus and Leptochloa chinensis. It was observed that volatile oil (0.25-1.5 mg ml-1) of Melaleuca retarded the germination and growth of all the test weeds in a dose-response bioassay conducted under laboratory conditions. Generally, both root and shoot length showed an inhibitory effect in a concentration dependent manner and the maximum effect was observed in C. rotundus, followed by E. crus-galli and L. chinensis. The Melaleuca oil not only affected the germination and seedling growth of the test weeds, but also inhibited the chlorophyll content and dry weight. At the highest dose of Melaleuca oil treatment (1.5 mg ml-1), the chlorophyll content declined by nearly 50% in E. crus-galli and 90% in L. chinensis over the control. Thus, it is concluded that volatile oil possesses phytotoxic potential towards other plants and could be further explored for weed management.

Herbicidal Potential of Red Spragle (Leptochloa chinensis) on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth against Some Tested Plants

“…Ahuja et al, (2015) showed that the herbicidal potential of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) against four selected weeds (Ageratum conyzoides, Cassia occidentalis, Bidens pilosa and Commelina benghalensis). Goyal (2017) abtracted that the allelopathic impact of essential oil from Melaleuca leucadendra against three selected weeds (Echinochloa crus-galli, Cyperus rotundus and Leptochloa chinensis). Ayeni (2017) stated that the allelopathic potential of leaves from two selected plants (Senna siamea and Pinus carribaea) inhibited of the seed germination and seedling growth in Euphorbia heterophylla.…”

Bio-Herbicidal Effects of Oregano and Rosemary Essential Oils on Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Crop in Organic Farming System

“…In light of recent literature, Eos can be used effectively to control weeds [27][28][29][30][31]. Azirak et al (2008) [26] have developed research on the allelopathic effects of Menthax piperita L. and Salvia officinalis L. against various weed species (Amaranthus retroflexus L., Centaurea salsotitialis L., Raphanus raphanistrum L., Sinapis arvensis L., Sonchus oleraceus L. and others).…”