Investigation of Chemical Composition and Phytotoxic Effects of Essential Oils Obtained from Schinus Molle Leaves and Resins

Abstract

Chemical composition of the essential oils of Schinus molle leaves and resins, collected from East Mediterranean region of Turkey were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and phytotoxic effects of the oils at different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 μl/ml) were investi- gated on Portulaca oleracea L. and Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus (L.) Domin. At the highest concentration, it was found that the essential oil of S. molle leaves and resins inhibited at rates of 57%, 67% and 70%, 80% the seed germination of purslane and radish, respectively, when compared to the control. Also, S. molle leaves essential oil at the same concentration decreased Radicle length (RL) and Plumule lengths (PL) of purslane and radish in the rates of 82.94, 78.09% and 94.36, 81.30%, while RL and PL of both plants tested were inhibited in the rates of 78.03, 68.99% and 88.91, 76.95% by S. molle resins essential oil. This study is the first report on P. oleracea L. and R. raphanistrum subsp. sativus (L.) Domin about phytotoxic effects of the essential oils of Schinus molle leaves and resins