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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Oxford, Mississippi » Natural Products Utilization Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #284354
Title: Manuka oil a natural herbicide with preemergence activity

Author
item Dayan, Franck
item Howell, J Lynn
item MARAIS, JANNIE - University Of Mississippi
item FERREIRA, DANEEL - University Of Mississippi
item KOINUVEN, MARJA - Marrone Bio Innovations

Submitted to: Weed Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/10/2011
Publication Date: 12/1/2011
Citation: Dayan, F.E., Howell, J., Marais, J.P., Ferreira, D., Koinuven, M. 2011. Manuka oil a natural herbicide with preemergence activity. Weed Science. 59:464-469.

Interpretive Summary: Natural herbicides approved in organic agriculture are primarily non-selective burn-down essential oils applied on young seedlings. Multiple applications are often required due to their low efficacy. Manuka oil, the essential oil distilled from Manuka shrubs, is different from other oils by being much more active, by having soil activity and by inhibiting a specific enzyme associated with carotenoid synthesis. The preemergence activity of manuka oil is due to the soil stability of the active ingredient leptospermone. Therefore, manuka oil is a new tool for weed management that may bridge between traditional and organic agriculture.

Technical Abstract: Natural herbicides approved in organic agriculture are primarily non-selective burn-down essential oils applied POST. Multiple applications are often required due to their low efficacy. To address this problem, the in vivo herbicidal activity of manuka oil, the essential oil distilled from Leptospermum scoparium (J.R. et G. Forst), was tested on selected broadleaf and grass weeds. While manuka oil exhibited good POST activity when applied in combination with a commercial lemongrass oil-based herbicide, it ultimately demonstrated interesting PRE activity, providing control of crabgrass seedlings at a rate of 3 L ha-1. Manuka oil and its main active ingredient, leptospermone, were stable in soil for up to 7 days and had half-lives of 18 and 15 days, respectively. The systemic activity of manuka oil addresses many of the major limitations normally associated with natural herbicides. Additionally, its soil persistence opens up a multitude of new possibilities for the use of manuka oil as a tool for weed management and may be a potential bridge between traditional and organic agriculture.