Artemisia scoparia essential oil inhibited root growth involves reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated disruption of oxidative metabolism: In vivo ROS detection and alterations in antioxidant enzymes

► We investigated the mechanism of action of Artemisia oil in inhibiting root growth. ► Artemisia oil enhanced hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion, and proline content. ► Artemisia oil induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. ► In vivo detection studies confirmed Artemisia oil-induced ROS generation, and membrane disintegration. ► ROS-scavenging enzymes were upregulated suggesting their role in secondary defense mechanism.