Chemical composition and allelopathic potential of Schinus molle L. (Anacardiaceae) essential oils against common weeds of wheat crop

Abstract

This study aims to determine the chemical composition of essential oil (EO) extracted from the aerial parts of Schinus molle L., as well as its phytotoxicity on germination and seedling growth against some invasive weed species of cereal crops and wheat (Triticum durum, cultivar Chen’S). Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified 51 components (representing 95.26% of the total EO composition). Shyobunone (10.14%), 1-phellandrene (9.63%), α-cadinol (7.46%), δ-cadinene (7.45%), and germacrene D (7.09%) were the most abundant compounds. The effect of EO on weed species germination, root and shoot growth was moderate to strong. When 0.02% and 0.03% of the oil were applied, EO had a strong phytotoxic effect, resulting in 100% failure of Bromus rigidus germination. In addition to determining the responsible compound, the observed phytotoxicity suggestedthat S. molle essential oil could be used as an environmentally friendly biopesticide.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Essential oil
• GC-MS
• phytotoxic effect
• Schinus molle L
• weeds

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

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Funding

The authors report no funding associated with the work featured in this article.