EFFECT OF SOME ESSENTIAL OILS TREATMENTS ON THE GERMINATION PROCESS OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) SEEDS.

The present scientific work presents the results of the effects of lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) and marjoram (Origanum majorana) essential oil treatments at different concentrations (25 and 50 μl/ml, respectively) on the germination of maize seeds, considering the antifungal and antibacterial properties of the essential oils mentioned above. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation of the aerial of the plants. To evaluate the phytotoxicity of lavandin and marjoram essential oils, on the germination process of maize seeds, an in vitro experiment was performed. The experiment showed that the application of lavandin essential oil at a concentration of 25 μl/ml has a beneficial effect on the germination process of maize seeds, causing stimulation of the development of vegetative organs. On the other hand, increasing the concentration from 25 μl/ml to 50 μl/ml, produced an inhibition of corn pore germination, thus obtaining a germination percentage of only 70%, compared to the control group where a percentage of 90% was obtained. Based on the results obtained, and taking into account the proven antimicrobial properties of lavandin oil, it can be stated that this oil, in the optimal concentration, can be considered as an ecofriendly fungicide in grain warehouses. Marjoram oil proved an inhibitory effect regarding the germination of maize seeds, for all tested concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]