Phytochemical analysis and allelopathic potential of essential oil of yarrow (Achillea spp.) ecotypes against redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.)

This study will contribute to the knowledge of plant allelopathy and its application in weed management, as well as to the valuation of medicinal and neglected plant species. An allelopathy experiment was conducted to introduce Achillea spp. as an effective species on the red root pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.). The allelopathic effect of dry material from the flower, leaf and stem of Tanacetum polycephalum L. and 9 Achillea spp. (Achillea santolina L., A. millefolium L., A. nobilis L., A. conferta DC., A. vermicularis Trin., A. beibersteinii Afan., A. talagonica Boiss., A. tenuifolia Lam., A. aleppica DC.) applied to the soil on the growth of redroot pigweed seedling was tested. Five different ratios of aerial dry material of different species as residues (at 0, 10, 20, 40, and 50 g kg−1 dry weight) were used in the pots. Achillea residual had a significant effect on the growth of redroot pigweed. Achillea vermicolaris and A. aleppica were the most effective species at stopping the growth of redroot pigweed, reducing its dry matter by 90% at 0.07 and 0.02 g kg−1 dry weight, respectively. Based on the results of GC/MS analyses, 152 different compounds were found in the essential oil of Achillea spp. The possible relationship between allelochemicals and seedling investigation by partial least squares regression between effective doses for controlling redroot pigweed and allelochemical compounds of Achillea species. Result showed that cis-Menth-2-en-1-ol, α-Terpinyl, propionate and Bornyl acetate had the most effect on inhibiting the growth of redroot pigweed. Our research revealed that the Achillea genus has a lot of potential as a bioherbicide. This means that its leftovers or mulch could be used as a good cover crop to control redroot pigweed.