Impact of essential oils on seed quality and seed-borne pathogens of Althea officinalis seeds of different ages

Abstract Background The cultivation of medicinal plants is a promising alternative to overcoming problems in the overharvesting wild and ecosystem degradation. Cultivation depends upon two major factors: seed quality presence seed-borne pathogens. Organic production marshmallow ( Althea officinalis L.) does not allow for use conventional pesticides. This study aimed find an environmentally safe solution equilibrium between germination fungal was performed on population marshmallows which were cultivated period 3 years (2018–2020) Pančevo, Republic Serbia. following six essential oils: Origanum vulgare L ., Cinnamomum cassia Presl Ocimum basilicum Carum carvi Mentha piperita Lavandula angustifolia Mill. at five concentrations (1%, 0.5%, 0.2%, 0.02%, 0.002%) used treatment along with water PEG-40 (emulsifier) as controls. Germination, dormant seeds, dead abnormal seedlings pathogens determined under laboratory conditions. Results Among aforementioned treatments using oregano, cinnamon, basil, caraway, mint, lavender oils, most effective resulted oil concentration 0.02% 3-year-old seeds. highest values seeds 46% 20% respectively. increased by 13%, seedling growth i.e., stems radicles 24–35%, It also reduced from 53 100%. Conclusions results revealed that increase rate simultaneous reduction infection achieved treatments. first discovery stimulating effect parameters. Furthermore, demonstrates its potential application processing organic plants. Graphical