Effect of Essential Oils from Plants on Corn Seed Germination (Zea mays, Eldorado Variety)

Abstract

Essential oils are compounds considered as an important input for the development of natural pesticides, however their action cannot compromise the good physiological development of materials of agricultural interest. The objective of this work was to verify the allelopathic influence of the essential oils of rosemary pepper (Lippia sidoides), peppermint (Schinus terebinthifolia), marjoram (Origanum majorana), gorse (Baccharis trimera), basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Santa Maria herb (Chenopodium ambrosioides) on corn seeds. These were subjected to six different oil concentrations, with inhibition in the germination and growth processes for most of the concentrations under study. It was found, however, that pepper oil (Schinus terebinthifolius) did not alter germination, but decreased root growth, and the germination speed of corn seed increased for all concentrations under study.