Phytoparasitica (2000) 28 (2) - Potential of eucalypt oils for ...

H.P. Singh, D.R. Batish and R.K. Kohli (2000)
Potential of eucalypt oils for management of noxious weeds
Phytoparasitica 28 (2)
XIVth International Plant Protection Congress (IPPC), July 25-30, 1999, Jerusalem, Israel
Abstract: Weeds - the unwanted plants, compete with crop plants for nutrition and space, and hence cause huge crop losses. Although a variety of synthetic herbicides can be used for weed control, their use has created more problems than solutions, since these chemicals are not only costly but remain in soil as persistent pollutants. Therefore, in order to manage the weeds, alternative and eco-friendly means are being explored the world over. Natural plant products for the management of noxious weeds are being screened largely as they are bio-degradable and cost effective. In this context, a study was undertaken to determine the potential of eucalypt oils, either in crude or purified form. Eucalypt oils were extracted from leaves of Eucalyptus tereticornis, E. citriodora and E. globulus by steam distillation. They exerted a deleterious effect on the germination, growth, chlorophyll content and cellular respiration of noxious weeds like Parthenium hysterophorus and Ageratum conyzoides, which have encroached on various parts of India at an alarming rate. After 4 weeks of treatment the plants wilted. The oil extracted from E. citriodora was more effective than from another two species of Eucalyptus. The purified terpene of cineole oils was still more effective than the crude oils. Eucalypt oils, therefore, have the potential to suppress weeds and should be exploited for this purpose.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Harminder P. Singh, Daizy R. Batish

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Ageratum conyzoides (weed)		India
	Parthenium hysterophorus (weed)		India