The essential oil of the leaves of Eucalyptus gomphocephala DC.
( Myrtaceae ) was isolated and subjected to GClMS analysis. Its constituents were
identified by comparison of their retention times and mass spectra with literature
records. Citronellal was found to be the dominant component representing about 81%
of the oil. The antiviral activity of the oil was studied against two important plant
viruses namely. cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) using
the local lesions assay. The oil was found to have a significant inhibition of the
infectivity of both viruses in concentrations as little as 100 ppm.