Herbicidal Potential of Callistemon Viminalis Essential Oil Against Echinochloa Crus-Galli L., Amaranthus Viridis and Phalaris Minor

Gajendra Singh Vishwakarma* , Shilpa Sharma , Sunil Mittal

Department of Environmental Science and Technology Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India.

Corresponding author Email: gajendra_20jan@yahoo.co.in

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CARJ.5.3.08

Abstract:

Experimental studies were carried out under invitro conditions to examine the effect of Callistemon viminalis essential oil (EO) against the Echinochloa crus-galli L., Amaranthus viridis and Phalaris minor. EO composition was analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, revealing that EO was rich in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes like eucalyptol, D-limonene, α-terpineol and caryophyllene oxide. EO applied in the concentration range of 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 μl against Amaranthus viridis, Echinochloa crus-galli L. and Phalaris minor drastically affected the germination of all test plants and inhibited root and shoot development. Not only seedling growth, even the chlorophyll content also reduced appreciably. This led to the demonstration that Callistemon viminalis EO was negatively affecting the photosynthetic process. Upregulation of antioxidant enzymes activities indicated that these enzymes were providing protection against Callistemon viminalis EO induced stress. Amaranthus viridis was reported to be more sensitive in comparison to Echinochloa crus-galli L. and Phalaris minor.

Keywords:

Amaranthus Viridis; Antioxidants; Ascorbate Peroxidase; Callistemon Viminalis; Chlorophyll; Echinochloa Crus-Galli L.; Essential Oil; Guaiacol Peroxidase; Phalaris Minor

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