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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Kearneysville, West Virginia » Appalachian Fruit Research Laboratory » Innovative Fruit Production, Improvement, and Protection » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #122199

Title: HERBICIDE EFFECTS OF ESSENTIAL OILS

Author
item Tworkoski, Thomas

Submitted to: Plant Growth Regulator Society of America Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/22/2001
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Laboratory and greenhouse experiments were initiated to determine the herbicidal effect of plant-derived oils. Twenty-five oils were applied to detached leaves of dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale Wigg.) in the laboratory. Essential oils (0.01 % v/v) from red thyme (Thymus vulgaris), summer savory (Satureja hortensis), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), and clove buds (Syzgium aromaticum) were most phytotoxic and caused electrolyt leakage resulting in cell death. These essential oils plus two adjuvants (Silwett L-77 & Superior oil at 0.2% (v/v)) were sprayed on shoots of lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.), common raagweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.), and johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.) growing in the greenhouse. They caused shoot death within 1 hour to 1 day when applied at aqueous concentrations from 5 to 10% (v/v). Essential oils are extracted from plants and thus may be useful as a "natural product herbicide" for organic farming systems.