Essential oil profile of yarrow (Achillea spp. and Tanacetum spp.) ecotypes and their allelopathic potential to suppress redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.)

Abstract

Abstract As far as we know, there is no information on the effect of Achillea residuals on controlling weeds when considering the effective compounds of the aerial parts of this plant. Thus, in a pot experiment, the allelopathic effect of dry material from the flower, leaf and stem of Tanacetum polycephalum L. and 9 Achillea spp. (Achillea santolina L., A. millefolium L., A. nobilis L., A. conferta DC., A. vermicularis Trin., A. beibersteinii Afan., A. talagonica Boiss., A. tenuifolia Lam., A. aleppica DC.) applied to the soil on the growth of redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) seedling was tested. Five different ratios of aerial dry material of different species as residues (at 0, 10, 20, 40, and 50 g kg− 1 dry weight) were used in the pots. Achillea residual had a significant effect on the growth of redroot pigweed. Achillea vermicolaris, A.conferta, A. aleppica, and A. nobilis were the most effective species at stopping the growth of redroot pigweed. Based on the results of GC/MS analyses, 152 different compounds were found in the essential oil of Achillea spp. Partial least squares regression between effective doses for controlling redroot pigweed and allelochemical compounds of Achillea species showed that cis-Menth-2-en-1-ol, α-Terpinyl, propionate and Bornyl acetate had the most effect on inhibiting the growth of redroot pigweed. Our research revealed that the Achillea genus has a lot of potential as a bioherbicide. This means that its leftovers or mulch could be used as a good cover crop to get rid of redroot pigweed.