Effects of limonene on the growth and physiology of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L) and carrot (Daucus carota L) plants

Monoterpenes are plant-based alternatives for pest control in sustainable agriculture. This study investigated the phytotoxic effects of the monoterpene limonene on white cabbage (cv Rinda and Lennox) and carrot (cv Parano and Splendid) plants. The effects of increasing concentrations (from 10 to 120 ml l^-1) of limonene on visible leaf injuries, growth, chlorophyll fluorescence, net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were studied. Limonene concentrations of 90 and 120 ml l^-1 were significantly phytotoxic in both cabbage and carrot, depending on the cultivar. However, there were major differences in limonene responses between the cultivars in both species. In carrot, lower shoot and root biomass was related to lower chlorophyll fluorescence (indicating lower efficiency of the photochemical processes) in cv Splendid, whereas in cv Parano it was related to lower stomatal conductance (indicating reduced gas exchange), suggesting that the mechanism behind the phytotoxicity may be different in different cultivars. In cabbage, better limonene tolerance and faster recovery processes in cv Lennox compared with cv Rinda were evident through increasing efficiency of photochemistry (chlorophyll fluorescence), and in the higher stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis rates, providing energy for defence and repair action. Since direct phytotoxic effects were detected on carrot and cabbage with limonene, we conclude that critical threshold concentrations for cultivated plants should be determined before monoterpenes are widely used as repellents and deterrents. These thresholds should, as far as possible, be species- and cultivar-specific in order to provide full protection of plants.