Phytotoxicity of lemon-scented eucalypt oil and its potential use as a bioherbicide

The effect of volatile oil from leaves of Eucalyptus citriodora against some plant species viz. Triticum aestivum, Zea mays, Raphanus sativus, Cassia occidentalis, Amaranthus viridis and Echinochloa crus-galli was investigated. In a laboratory bioassay seed germination of test plants was significantly reduced in response to the different concentrations of the eucalypt oil. Maximum germination inhibition was observed with A. viridis, whereas least effect was seen on R. sativus. Based on the germination response, dose-response curve was generated and LC50 values were calculated. It was maximum for R. sativus whereas minimum for A. viridis. Further, seedling growth of the test plants and the chlorophyll content in the treated seedlings was significantly reduced at concentrations 0.12 and 0.3 mg/l. Not only the initial growth, but also the spray treatment on the 4-week-old mature plants of two weedy species viz. C occidentalis and E crus-galli adversely affected the chlorophyll content and cellular respiration, thereby indicating the adverse effect of eucalypt oil on the photosynthetic machinery and the energy metabolism of the target plants. Based on the study, it is concluded that volatile oil from E citriodora is phytotoxic and could be utilized as bioherbicide for future weed management programmes. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.