Effects of Citrus essential oils on weed emergence and on soil microorganisms

Weed invasion is a major problem for agricultural productivity since causes economic and environmental damages. Weed control can be achieved through chemical, mechanical, biological and cultural means. Although synthetic herbicides are effective for weed control, they have a negative impact on soil and the environment. Therefore, it is important to develop alternative means that are in the meanwhile effective and ecofriendly. EOs are commonly used for bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, antiparasitical, insecticidal, medicinal and cosmetic applications. Citrus EOs are the most widely used in the world for many purposes. Moreover, some studies have recently investigated their potential as h…