Abstract:
The current study evaluated the allelopathic potential of Alhagi graecorum
on germination and seedling growth of two common crop plants; bean (Vicia
faba) and corn (Zea mays). Water soluble allelochemicals were extracted
from the air dried-powdered shoots of A. graecorum at three different
concentrations (2.0, 4.0 and 6.0%, w/v). The germination experiment revealed
that seeds of both bean and corn have tolerance to the aqueous extract of A.
graecorum, where concentrations up to 6.0% had no significant effect on
percent of germination as compared with the untreated seeds. The results showed
that the lowest concentration (2.0%) of the aqueous extract stimulated elongation
of radicle and plumule as well as seedling biomass of both bean and corn, while
the highest concentration (6.0%) was inhibitory. In addition, the growth of
corn seedlings was retarded at the modest dose (4%) of the aqueous extract,
while that for bean seedlings was promoted at the same concentration. Similarly,
water soluble allelochemicals extracted from A. gaecorum shoots influenced
accumulation of soluble sugars and proteins in a concentration and species dependent
manner.
|
Subscribe Today 
