Eco-Sustainable management of weeds and phytopathogens using Achillea millefolium essential oil

The increasing concern over the environmental impact of synthetic herbicides has led to growing interest in plant-based alternatives. This study investigates the phytotoxic and antimicrobial properties of Achillea millefolium essential oil (EO), collected in Agerola, Italy. The chemical composition analysis conducted by GC-MS identified 69 compounds, with oxygenated monoterpenes being the dominant group, including borneol (12 %), camphor (11.5 %), and 1,8-cineole (8.9 %). The phytotoxic activity was evaluated by analyzing both the root and hypocotyl elongation, as well as the number of germinated seeds of Sinapis arvenis, Lolium multiflorum, Raphanus sativus, and Hordeum vulgare. The EO demonstrated significant phytotoxic effects on seed germination and seedling growth, particularly against S. arvensis. Additionally, a possible inhibitory activity on the α-amylase enzyme extracted from germinating seeds was evaluated as a potential mechanism of action. The EO also exhibited antimicrobial activity against Xanthomonas campestris and Penicillium italicum. These findings highlight the potential of A. millefolium EO as a natural herbicide and antimicrobial agent, offering an eco-friendly alternative for sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, the eco-friendliness of this EO was evaluated using a lethality test of brine shrimp, with no toxicity observed on Artemia salina, suggesting its potential as a safe bioherbicide.