Bioherbicide Potential ofEucalyptus salignaLeaf Litter Essential Oil

We aimed to evaluate the bioherbicide potential ofEucalyptus salignaleaf litter essential oil, its fractions and major compounds. Six essential oil fractions were obtained by preparative thin-layer chromatography and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Effects of the oil, its fractions and major compounds (1,8-cineole and/or alpha-pinene) diluted in aqueous solution were assessed on germination and seedling growth. Recipient species wereLactuca sativa(model),Amaranthus viridis(weed),Eragrostis plana(weed), andPaspalum notatum(forage). The essential oil was more phytotoxic onA. viridisandL. sativa, followed byE. plana, and caused no effects onP. notatum. Amaranthus viridiswas inhibited by all treatments, mainly the essential oil,alpha-pinene and fraction 6, whereasE. planawas more affected by the oil fractions. Results revealed the species-specific phytotoxic effects ofE. salignaessential oil, indicating its potential use for controllingA. viridisandE. plana. Phytotoxic effects of essential oils or their components should not be generalized, as effects may change according to recipient species.