Phytotoxicity of sweet clover (Melilotus indica L.)‎ extract on germination and seedling growth of some plant species

Abstract EN

The present investigation was carried out to study the inhibitory effect (phytotoxicity) of sweetclover, Melilotus indica L.

ethanol extract on seed germination and seedling growth of some plant species in addition to the isolation and identification of the chemical groups of sweetclover using Infrared (IR) spectrum.

The results showed that wildoat was the most sensitive species to the ethanol extract of sweetclover with 80.5% inhibition in germination as well as 66% and 50.9% inhibition in root and shoot growth, respectively.

In contrast, sweet clover extract had no effect on seed germination and seedling growth of lentil.

Also, germination of onion seeds and seedlings growth of chicory were not significantly affected by the extract.

In general, root growth was more sensitive than shoot growth in affected plants.

The crude ethanol extract of sweetclover exhibited five fractions having Rf values of 0.14, 0.29, 0.53, 0.68 and 0.90.

Two fractions with Rf values of 0.53 and 0.68 were the most inhibitory effects on germination and growth of wildoat.

Both active fractions contained chemical groups indicated the presence of Isocyanate (NCO), Methoxy group (OCH3), saturated sulfoxide (S=O), acetylene (C=C), phenols (ph.OH), carbonyl group (C=O) and free OH.