The potential in-situ antimicrobial ability of Myrtaceae plant species on pathogens in soil

Abstract

Concerns that land application of organic waste may introduce microbial contaminants into the environment could be mitigated by growing plants with antiseptic properties in waste-amended soil. We investigated the potential for two myrtaceous plants, manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and kanuka (Kunzea robusta) with antiseptic properties to reduce numbers of the pathogen indicator Escherichia coli in soil. Pots containing perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), manuka and kanuka, were spiked with Escherichia coli and a rainfall event was simulated. Decimal reduction times (DRT) showed E. coli numbers were reduced under kanuka and manuka compared to a pasture control (8, 5 and 93 days respectively). Potentially, these myrtaceous species could mitigate the threat of microbial contamination of soil, while producing valuable biomass for fuel, essential oils or honey.