Eco-friendly weed control: herbicidal potential of Achillea millefolium essential oil

Extensive reliance on synthetic herbicides became a significant concern, with implications for human health and the environment. Furthermore, the increasing development of resistance among weed species has reduced the effectiveness of traditional herbicide treatments. Consequently, plant-derived compounds are increasingly being explored as natural alternatives for pest and weed management, mainly due to their selectivity, biodegradability into non-toxic products and minimal impact on non-target organisms and ecosystems [1] [2]. This study aimed to: i) analyze the phytochemical profile of A. millefolium essential oil (EO); ii) evaluate its potential phytotoxic effects on the seeds of Sinapis arvensis L., Hordeum vulgare L., Raphanus sativus L. and Lolium multiflorum Lam.;iii) extract and evaluate α-amylase activity from treated seedlings to investigate a possible correlation between phytotoxicity and anti-amylase activity; iv) evaluate ecocompatibility through Artemia salina assay; v) explore antimicrobial properties against some bacterial and fungal phytopathogenic strains. Chemical composition analysis conducted by GC-MS identified 69 compounds, with oxygenated monoterpenes as the dominant group, including borneol (12%), camphor (11.5%) and 1,8-cineole (8.9%). EO demonstrated phytotoxic effects on seed germination and seedling growth, particularly against S. arvensis. Subsequent to the phytotoxic activity, a reduction in the α-amylase activity extracted from the seeds was observed, suggesting a possible correlation between the two activities.Furthermore, EO was not toxic on Artemia salina, suggesting its potential as a safe bioherbicide. EO also showed antimicrobial activity against X.campestris and P.italicum. These results highlight the potential of A. millefolium EO as a natural herbicide and antimicrobial agent, offering an environmentally friendly alternative for sustainable agriculture.