Evaluation of antimicrobial, insecticidal and allelopathic properties of extracts of Artemisia dubia Wall

Abstract

Plant biotechnology is one of the most fast-moving areas of biotechnology. The area of plant biotechnology also includes energy crops. These plants are popular because of producing a lot of biomass. This is one of the fastest growing areas of alternative energy. In Lithuania, one of these plants is from the Artemisia tribe - Artemisia dubia Wall. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the antimicrobial, insecticidal and allelopathic properties of Artemisia dubia Wall., in order to maximize the plant's potential for use. The plant was collected from two different regions of Lithuania: Akademija, Kedainiai district. (55.3896° N, 23.8624° E) and Trakų Vokė, Vilnius district. (54.6238° N, 25.1113° E). Samples were obtained from three different experimental areas with fertilization type: non-fertilized, N90 and N180 fertilizes (fertilizers with different nitrogen amount), during different time of harvest [1]. Collected samples were air-dried in Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry. In this research, the antimicrobial activity of extracts was evaluated using modified antimicrobial analysis methods [2]. Different bacteria were selected for this research, such as gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Escherichia coli. Two plants were selected for evaluation of insecticidal properties: agave (Agave americana) and oleander (Nerium oleander L.). The scale insect was sprayed on the selected plants with a biological insecticide from A. dubia extract [3]. For the evaluation A. dubia allelopathic properties [4] the most popular used plant lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) was chosen. The report will include an evaluation of the antimicrobial, insecticidal and allelopathic properties of the Artemisia dubia Wall., the conditions of the experiments (bacterial strains and media, concentrations, methods, etc.) and a statistical analysis.