The phytoactivity of water extracts of C. ladanifer and L. stoechas on P. minor germination, as observed under controlled conditions, was lost in soil. Conversely, early growth of wheat and P. minor was sensitive to water extracts of C. ladanifer and L. stoechas. Nevertheless, because of differential effects on early growth of the weed and crop, L. stoechas unlike C. ladanifer, is worth searching for inhibitors of P. minor, among the ca. 80 compounds identified so far in its essential oil