Characterization of the Essential Oil of Mastic Tree from Different Biomes and its Phytotoxic Potential on Cobbler's Pegs

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, popularly known as mastic tree, presents a known healing, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic activities. The study of others biological activities of mastic tree may help to develop natural products less harmful to humans and nature. Thus, the present study aimed to characterize and investigate the activity of the essential oil from fresh leaves of this species, collected in biomes of cerrado and Atlantic Forest of Minas Gerais (Brazil), over the germination of cobbler's pegs (Bidens pilosa L.). The chemical composition of essential oil varied depending on the biome where the leaves were collected. The major compounds found in the essential oil of mastic tree from Cerrado were trans-caryophyllene (21.9 %) and delta-3-carene (18.0 %). While the alpha-pinene (62.9 %) and limonene (19.1 %) were the major components found in the essential oil of mastic tree collected in the Atlantic Forest. The essential oils showed phytotoxic activity on the development of cobbler's pegs, there was inhibition of germination, root growth, hypocotyl growth and biomass production, and its effects was higher as the concentration of the oils increased (0.05 w v(-1)).