Sensitivity of Cuscuta species and their hosts to Anethum graveolens essential oil

The purpose of this study was to examine in vitro the herbicidal effect an essential oil dill (Anethum graveolens) on germination and early seedling growth two parasitic flowering plants genus Cuscuta (Cuscuta campestris C. epithymum), as well its phytotoxic impact host (alfalfa red clover). Chemical analysis extracted from leaves flowers showed that carvone (51.69%) limonene (39.88%) predominated. results a seed bioassay inhibitory effects different concentrations (1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.01% v v-1) both tested species Cuscuta. Germination seeds inhibited between 67% 94%, while epithymum 100%. A similar observed regarding length parameter. Moreover, indicated significant plants. Red clover proved more sensitive even lowest concentration by 35%, higher caused 70-100% inhibition. On other hand, lower concentations alfalfa 5%, greater inhibition (36-100%). Future research should include pot experiments field micro-trials determine herbicidal, i.e. phytotoxic, cultivated species.