Preprint Article Version 2 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Aqueous Extracts Prepared with Young E. globulus Leaves as a Biocide - A Novel Post-Fire Management Strategy of Eucalyptus Stands

Version 1 : Received: 27 February 2021 / Approved: 2 March 2021 / Online: 2 March 2021 (09:12:01 CET)
Version 2 : Received: 8 March 2021 / Approved: 9 March 2021 / Online: 9 March 2021 (13:18:01 CET)
Version 3 : Received: 20 March 2021 / Approved: 22 March 2021 / Online: 22 March 2021 (12:00:35 CET)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Pinto, M.; Soares, C.; Martins, M.; Sousa, B.; Valente, I.; Pereira, R.; Fidalgo, F. Herbicidal Effects and Cellular Targets of Aqueous Extracts from Young Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Leaves. Plants 2021, 10, 1159. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061159 Pinto, M.; Soares, C.; Martins, M.; Sousa, B.; Valente, I.; Pereira, R.; Fidalgo, F. Herbicidal Effects and Cellular Targets of Aqueous Extracts from Young Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Leaves. Plants 2021, 10, 1159. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061159

Abstract

Along with climate change, the native forest replacement by exotic species, such as Eucalyptus globulus, is contributing to a highly fire-prone environment. Since E. globulus detains several post-fire regeneration strategies, sustainable practices are needed to manage eucalyptus stands. Thus, eucalyptus allelopathic potential can be used for weed control. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the herbicidal potential of post-fire regenerated E. globulus leaves in Portulaca oleracea, and unraveling the main physiological processes disturbed by biocide application. For this, an aqueous extract prepared with fresh leaves (FLE; 617 gfresh weightL-1) and other with oven-dried leaves (DLE; 250 gdry weightL-1) were prepared and foliar-sprayed twice-a-week at different dilutions in 7-days-old purslane plants. As positive control, glyphosate was used. After five weeks, results revealed that DLE at the highest dose detained the greatest herbicidal activity against P. oleracea. To understand how DLE impacted weed physiology, several biochemical and redox-related parameters were evaluated in purslane plants treated with DLE highest dose. Results suggested an overproduction of hydrogen peroxide, causing severe oxidative damage in roots. Overall, this study showed that young E. globulus dried leaves had powerful herbicidal properties against P. oleracea and can represent a feasible approach for weed management, while reducing fire hazard.

Keywords

Sustainable agriculture; allelopathy; biocidal potential; phytotoxic effects; weed management.

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Forestry

Comments (1)

Comment 1
Received: 9 March 2021
Commenter: Mafalda Pinto
Commenter's Conflict of Interests: Author
Comment: We added information related to the composition of the eucalyptus extracts (Material and Methods - 2.1. Preparation of the aqueous extracts) and changed the structure of the manuscript.
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