Weed oil
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "weed oil"
Weed Oil: Natural Herbicides for Sustainable Agriculture
Essential Oils as Weed Germination Inhibitors
Mediterranean Lamiaceae Essential Oils
Essential oils from Mediterranean Lamiaceae plants such as rosemary, thyme, and savory have shown significant potential as weed germination inhibitors. These oils contain monoterpenes like thymol and carvacrol, which are their major constituents. For instance, rosemary oil with high 1,8-cineole content completely inhibited weed germination while having minimal effects on crops like pepper. Similarly, savory oil, rich in carvacrol, was highly effective in inhibiting both weed and crop germination1.
Eucalyptus, Lavender, and Pine Essential Oils
Commercial essential oils from Eucalyptus citriodora, Lavandula angustifolia, and Pinus sylvestris have also demonstrated phytotoxic effects on various weeds. Lavender oil, in particular, showed the most significant impact, reducing the growth of Lolium multiflorum by up to 87.8% at higher concentrations. Cucumber crops, however, exhibited resistance to these oils, indicating selective herbicidal properties2.
Bio-Control Efficacy of Artemisia Essential Oils
Artemisia fragrans Essential Oil
Artemisia fragrans essential oil has been studied for its bio-control efficacy against the perennial weed Convolvulus arvensis. The oil's main components, such as α-thujone and camphor, disrupt photosynthesis and induce oxidative stress in the weed, leading to reduced growth and chlorophyll content. This makes Artemisia fragrans a promising candidate for natural herbicide development3.
Artemisia scoparia Essential Oil
Similarly, Artemisia scoparia oil has shown bioherbicidal activity against multiple weed species, including Echinochloa crus-galli and Parthenium hysterophorus. The oil causes significant phytotoxicity, leading to chlorosis, necrosis, and complete wilting of the plants. It also disrupts cellular respiration and membrane integrity, further inhibiting weed growth8.
Nanoemulsions and Essential Oil Mixtures
Satureja hortensis Nanoemulsion
A nanoemulsion containing Satureja hortensis essential oil has been developed to enhance its herbicidal activity. This formulation significantly reduces germination and growth of weeds like Amaranthus retroflexus and Chenopodium album. The nanoemulsion also causes membrane disruption and increased cell permeability, making it an effective natural herbicide for organic farming4.
Pelargonic Acid and Essential Oil Mixtures
Combining essential oils with pelargonic acid has shown enhanced herbicidal effects. For example, mixtures of lemongrass oil and pelargonic acid significantly reduced the biomass of grass weeds like Lolium rigidum. Manuka oil combined with pelargonic acid also demonstrated high efficacy, reducing weed biomass by up to 96%7.
Phytotoxicity and Environmental Impact
Ambrosia artemisiifolia Essential Oil
The essential oil from the invasive plant Ambrosia artemisiifolia has been evaluated for its phytotoxic effects on both monocot and dicot weeds. The oil, rich in sesquiterpenes like germacrene D and β-pinene, inhibits seed germination and seedling development even at low concentrations. It also causes visible injury and reduces chlorophyll content in treated weeds, making it a potential natural herbicide6.
Lemon-Scented Eucalypt Oil
Lemon-scented eucalypt oil has shown promising results in controlling littleseed canary grass, a common weed in wheat fields. The oil causes chlorosis, necrosis, and plant death at higher concentrations, significantly affecting the photosynthetic and respiratory abilities of the weed. This makes eucalypt oil a viable option for integrated weed management10.
Conclusion
Essential oils from various plants offer a natural and sustainable alternative to synthetic herbicides. Their selective phytotoxic effects on weeds, combined with minimal impact on crops, make them suitable for organic farming and integrated weed management. Further research and development of formulations like nanoemulsions and essential oil mixtures can enhance their efficacy and reliability, promoting a more sustainable approach to agriculture.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Essential oils from Mediterranean lamiaceae as weed germination inhibitors.
Essential oils from rosemary, thyme, and savory effectively inhibit weed germination, while their effects on crops are less selective.
In Vitro Study
Highly CitedPhytotoxic Effects of Commercial Eucalyptus citriodora, Lavandula angustifolia, and Pinus sylvestris Essential Oils on Weeds, Crops, and Invasive Species
Lavender essential oil shows potential as an effective and safe herbicide for managing Lolium multiflorum weeds, while cucumber shows resistance to its effects.
In Vitro StudyExploring the bio-control efficacy of Artemisia fragrans essential oil on the perennial weed Convolvulus arvensis: Inhibitory effects on the photosynthetic machinery and induction of oxidative stress
Artemisia fragrans essential oil shows potential as a growth and photosynthesis disruptor and oxidative stress inducer against field bindweed, suggesting its potential as a bio-herbicide on an industrial level.
Natural herbicide activity of Satureja hortensis L. essential oil nanoemulsion on the seed germination and morphophysiological features of two important weed species.
Satureja hortensis essential oil nanoemulsion effectively reduces weed growth and germination, offering a promising natural herbicide for organic agricultural systems.
Non-RCTHighly CitedEssential Oils as Potential Alternative Biocontrol Products against Plant Pathogens and Weeds: A Review
Essential oils show potential as sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides for controlling weeds and plant diseases without significantly affecting crop yields.
Literature Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedChemical composition and phytotoxicity of essential oil from invasive plant, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.
Ambrosia artemisiifolia essential oil shows potential as a natural herbicide due to its phytotoxic activity against various weed species, including Poa annua, Setaria viridis, and Amaranthus retroflexus.
Non-RCTThe Herbicidal Potential of Different Pelargonic Acid Products and Essential Oils against Several Important Weed Species
Pelargonic acid products and essential oils show potential in weed control, with lemongrass oil and pelargonic acid mixtures showing the highest efficacy against grass weeds and manuka oil and pelargonic acid mixtures for broadleaf weeds.
Phytotoxic effects of volatile oil from Artemisia scoparia against weeds and its possible use as a bioherbicide
Artemisia scoparia oil has bioherbicidal properties, causing severe phytotoxicity and interference with weed growth and physiological processes, making it a potential bioherbicide for use in agriculture.
Highly CitedPhytotoxicity of Essential Oils on Selected Weeds: Potential Hazard on Food Crops
Winter savory essential oil effectively inhibits weed seed germination, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic agrochemicals for weed control.
In Vitro StudyRigorous JournalAlternative control of littleseed canary grass using eucalypt oil
Lemon-scented eucalypt oil effectively reduces littleseed canary grass emergence and growth in wheat fields, offering a viable alternative for sustainable weed management.
Highly Cited