Pedoclimatic conditions impact the mycorrhizal potential of the rhizospheric soil, essential oil yield, chemical profile, and biological activities in Lavandula dentata

• Published in: Journal of essential oil-bearing plants (Dehra Dun) 2024, p.1-16
• Main Authors: Oumaima, Akachoud, Hafida, Bouamama, Frédéric, Laruelle, Natacha, Facon, Said, El Broudi, Btissam, Zoubi, Abderrazak, Benkebboura, Cherki, Ghoulam, Lounès - Hadj Sahraoui, Anissa, Qaddoury, Ahmed
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Environmental Sciences; Life Sciences
• ISSN: 0972-060X; 0976-5026
• DOI: 10.1080/0972060X.2024.2401441

Lavandula dentata produces a wide range of products, essential oils (EO) and bioactive molecules, extensively used for their various cosmetic and medicinal properties. However, in Morocco, L. dentata has been classified among vulnerable species experiencing a noticeable decline due to several biotic and abiotic stresses. This study aims to better understand the relationship between the ability of L. dentata, to produce bioactive molecules and pedoclimatic conditions. The study was carried out in two semi-arid regions: Asni (altitude: 1400 m) and Had Draa (altitude: 120 m). The results showed that the pedoclimatic conditions did not affect significantly the natural mycorrhization of Lavender expressed in terms of mycorrhizal frequency and colonization intensity. However, the mycorrhizal potential of the soil was 3 to 4 times higher in Asni than in Had Draa. Asni pedoclimatic conditions favored higher EO yield (14 μL/g DM) which was 2 times higher than in Had Draa. However, EO of Had Draa exhibited greater effectiveness in terms of antimicrobial, and herbicidal activities. While the EO of Had Draa was characterized by a high abundance of endo-borneol (36%) and fenchol (20%), the EO chemical profile of the EO of Asni showed high abundance of camphor (28%) and terpinene-4-ol (12%). Taken together, the findings pointed out that the pedoclimatic conditions prevailing in Asni such as high altitude, high precipitation, low nutrient levels, and low organic matter could improve the mycorrhizal potential of the soil, increase L. dentata EO yield, but have a negative impact on its biological activities.