Chemical characterization and bioherbicidal potential of the essential oil from the leaves of (A.DC.) R.E.Fr. (Annonaceae).

The chemical composition and the phytotoxicity potential of the essential oil from leaves of (A.DC.) R.E.Fr. (Annonaceae) was investigated. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses revealed 16 constituents representing 99.50% of the total essential oil, composed mainly of sesquiterpenes. α-copaene, bicyclogermacrene and -caryophyllene were the major components (15.7% each), followed by α-humullene, -aromadendrene and (+)-spathulenol (9.0, 8.4 and 7.3%, respectively). The essential oil inhibited seed germination and growth in both monocotyledon () and dicotyledon () models, pointing to a promising application of this oil obtained from the leaves of as a new bioherbicide.