Phytotoxic effects of aqueous extract of sugar beet, ephedra and canola on seed germination, growth and photosynthesis of Convolvulus arvensis

Abstract EN

-Laboratory and pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the allelopathic potential of shoot aqueous extracts of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), ephedra (Ephedra major Host) and canola (Brassica napus L.

var Ocapi) on germination, growth and leaf photosynthesis of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.).

Seed germination, seedling growth and leaf photosynthesis of C.

arvensis were inhibited by aqueous extract of the tested plant species.

Sugar beet extract was more inhibitory to seed germination and seedling growth than ephedra and canola extracts.

Seed germination of C.

arvensis was significantly decreased by 91.7% and 100% at 10 and 20 g L-1 sugar beet extract concentration, respectively, than control.

While ephedra and canola extracts reduced the weed seed germination by 68.8% and 20%, respectively at 10 g L-1 concentration.

High extract concentration (20 g L- 1) of sugar beet reduced plant height, leaf area, shoot dry weight and leaf photosynthesis of C.

arvensis by 64.3%, 43.2%, 57.1% and 60.3%, respectively over the control, while, ephedra and canola extracts reduced the weed plant height by 54.3% and 35.7%, leaf area by 34.6% and 23.5%, shoot dry weight by 46.7% and 28.3% and leaf photosynthesis by 39.7% and 30.2%, respectively compared with control.

These studies conclude that shoot aqueous extract of tested plant species especially sugar beet have the potential to suppress field bindweed growth.

Therefore, it can be used as an eco-friendly approach to manage this weed.