Essential Oils of Three Aromatic Plant Species as Natural Herbicides for Environmentally Friendly Agriculture

Clinical Evidence on Expansion of Essential Oil-Based Formulation's Pharmacological Activity in Bovine Mastitis Treatment: Antifungal Potential as Added Value

Bovine mastitis, as a significant and prevalent health problem in dairy herds, is primarily attributed to bacterial infections. Yeasts, although considered relatively rare causative agents, have also been associated with mastitis in dairy cattle. Current mastitis treatment predominantly relies on antibiotics, with limited emphasis on antifungal treatment. However, mycotic mastitis is challenging to treat, since these fungi are often resistant to antibiotics and may even utilize them for energy. In the current research, the in vivo antimicrobial activity of the essential oil-based formulation (Phyto-Bomat), as a possible alternative mastitis treatment associated with yeasts, was studied. This study involved a total of 68 animals from two dairy farms with diagnosed mastitis, and three treatment groups were established: conventional antibiotic treatment, Phyto-Bomat treatment, and the combination of both. The findings suggest significant variations in the presence of Candida samples based on the treatment administered, and the most significant difference was noted in cows treated with the combination (Phyto-Bomat and antibiotics). Yet, it is important to note that the results reveal that, regardless of the treatment type, there are statistically significant differences in the presence of Candida samples across the examined time points. These results aim to provide valuable insights into the potential of EOs as an alternative therapy in bovine mastitis, specifically targeting yeasts. Such findings could offer new strategies in the mycotic mastitis control and reducing the occurrence of secondary infections following antibiotic treatment.

Comparative Analysis of Tolerance to Salt Stress and Water Deficit in Two Invasive Weeds of the Genus Erigeron (Asteraceae)

Erigeron bonariensis and E. sumatrensis are two noxious weeds present in many parts of the world. Their tolerance to salinity and water deficit was analysed at the seed germination stage and during vegetative development. Seed germination was tested in solutions with different concentrations of NaCl and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, ion accumulation, and antioxidant mechanisms were analysed in plants that were subjected to increasing NaCl solutions, or severe water deficit by completely restricting irrigation. Seed germination was mostly affected by NaCl, but less by PEG in both species. E. bonariensis had a faster germination in all treatments and maintained a higher percentage of germination under the highest concentration of salt applied. Growth responses were similar in the two species, both being more affected by higher salt concentrations than by water deficit. The main differences in the responses of the two species to stress regard K⁺ and proline concentration. K⁺ in roots decreased under salt stress in E. sumatrensis, but remained constant in leaves, whereas in E. bonariensis increased in roots and leaves in salt-stressed plants. Proline concentration increased in all E. bonariensis plants under salt stress, but only in those under the highest salt concentration in E. sumatrensis. The results obtained indicate that the two species are relatively tolerant to water deficit and medium salinity but are susceptible to high NaCl concentrations.