Allelopathic Effects of Wheat Seed Extracts on Seed and Seedling Growth of Eight Selected Weed Species

ABSTRACT: Allelochemicals have the potential to create friendly-eco products for weed management. A factorial experiment (using RCBD design) with 3 replication was conducted in 2011, to evaluation seed germination and seedling growth of some weed soaked in distilled water (control) and aqueous extract of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds. The first factor included different wheat extract concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 percent) and the second factor was the eight weed species (Rumex crispus L., Datura stramonium L., Sisiymbrium irio L., Daucus Carota L., Peganum harmala L., Cardaria Draba L., Hordeum spontaneum and Avena ludoviciana).Whereas wheat extract concentration increased, the inhibitory effect of allelopathic material on seeds germination and seedling growth indices also increased. As seed germination and seedling growth factors of R. crispus, P. harmala and D. carota were reduced by increasing wheat extract concentration, while seed germination of D. stramonium, C. draba, and S. riro in 5%, 5%, and 2.5% of wheat extract concentrations was increased. The results showed that S. riro was most sensitive to aqueous extract of wheat seeds and R. crispus was most resistant. Wheat seeds extract concentration of 20% has inhibitory effect on all seeds and seedling indices. As a result the allelopathic properties of wheat seeds extract can inhibitory effects on weed species.