Use of Essential Oils as Bioherbicides

Abstract

Abstract A study was conducted to assess the allelopathic effects of essential oils from Eucalypt, Lawson Cypress, Rosemary and White cedar with the objective of exploring the possibility of their utilization for future weed management. The effects of these four essential oils on the germination of three weed species were examined. The essential oils severely affected the germination percentage of the weed species and showed allelopathic potential. The results demonstrated that germination of the weed species was strongly inhibited by all essential oils, especially Eucalypt oil, when applied at 300 ppm. Results showed that the use of essential oils can be applied for biological control of weeds as pre-emergent weed seed germination inhibitors and, they can decrease the use of chemical herbicides. The possible use of essential oils as herbicides is discussed.