Phytotoxic effects of Schinus terebinthifolius volatiles on adventitious rooting of Arabidopsis thaliana

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Schinus terebinthifolius leaf essential oil on adventitious rooting of Arabidopsis thaliana. Effects of the oil were assessed on root formation and elongation of A. thaliana microcuttings. Accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a reactive oxygen species (ROS), in microcuttings and the action of an antioxidant and an auxin in alleviating essential oil effects were assessed. The essential oil reduced mean rooting time and root length of A. thaliana in a dose-dependent manner but did not affect rooting rate or number of roots. Accumulation of H2O2 was evidenced in A. thaliana leaves exposed to the essential oil, which was prevented by addition of the antioxidant. The antioxidant alleviated effects of the oil on A. thaliana, but not the auxin. In conclusion, root elongation was more affected by S. terebinthifolius essential oil than root formation, and phytotoxic effects were associated with oxidative damage.