GAZETTE FUTURE, Vol. 8 No. 4, 2025.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.32779/gf.8.4.3
The effect of aromatic plant hydrosols on the germination of Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) Seeds
Kristijan Franin
; Odjel za ekologiju, agronomiju i akvakulturu, Sveučilište u Zadru, Republika Hrvatska.
Matea Miočić
; Odjel za ekologiju, agronomiju i akvakulturu, Sveučilište u Zadru, Republika Hrvatska (Završena studentica).
Branka Maričić
; bmaricic@unizd.hr
Abstract
Hydrosols, also known as aromatic waters or distillation condensates of essential oils, are by-products of the steam distillation of plant materials containing volatile, biologically active compounds. Although they are chemically less concentrated than essential oils, hydrosols still retain some of their bioactive components, such as monoterpenes, phenols, aldehydes, and organic acids, which, even in trace amounts, can cause phytotoxicity. For this reason, in recent years, they have attracted attention as environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic herbicides. Hydrosols derived from particular plant species may inhibit weed seed germination and early seedling growth, thereby demonstrating potential as bioherbicides. In this study, the effects of different concentrations (25%, 50%, and 100%) of hydrosols derived from lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia Emeric ex Loisel), peppermint (Mentha × piperita), and mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus L.) on the germination of ryegrass (Lolium sp.) seeds were investigated under laboratory conditions. The study confirmed 100% inhibition at the 50% and 100%
concentrations, while the 25% concentration showed a somewhat weaker inhibitory effect. Compared with essential oils, hydrosols are less toxic, biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and easier to apply, making them suitable for use in integrated or organic agricultural production systems.
Keywords
bioactive compounds, bioherbicides, essential oils, germination inhibition, organic agriculture.
Hrčak ID:
350237
URI
Publication date:
30.12.2025.
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