Emulsions and Nanoemulsions Formation from Wild and Cultivated Thyme and Marjoram Essential Oils for Weeds Control

Essential oils and its formulation macroemulsion (Mac-E) and nanoemulsion (Nano-E) of Thymus capitatus L. (wild and cultivated thyme) and Majorana hortensis L. (marjoram) herbicidal activity were investigated against Convolvulus arvensis and Setaria viridis seeds and seedlings growth. The suitable systems from oils, water and surfactants for macroemulsion (Mac-E), with addition to co-surfactant for nanoemulsion (Nano-E) were chosen and optimizing based on the stability tests and biological properties. Nanoemulsions seems transparent or translucent and had particle size reached 5.3, 12.0 and 22.1 nm for M. hortensis, T. capitatus wild and T. capitatus cultivated respectively. Depending on ED50, M. hortensis (oils, Mac-E and Nano-E) had been exhibited strong herbicidal activity on C. arvensis, however, the lowest activity was achieved from T. capitatus cultivated followed by T. capitatus wild. The Nano-E exhibited post emergence properties pronounced than others formulation on C. arvensis at 5-7 leaves stage under the greenhouse. The herbicidal activity based on types of oils, concentration and formulations as well as the weed stage. These result showed that nano-formulations can be contribute in perennial weeds control programs.