Allelopathic effects of solanum elaeagnifolium Cav . aqueousExtracts on different plant receptors

Abstract

( Solanum elaeagnifolium ) is a serious perennial broadleaf weed in many semi-arid areas of the world including South Africa. It is one of the important invasive plant species in Mediterranean Basin countries. S. elaeagnifolium has a negative impact on crops, causing up to 75% yield loss, as well as an indirect impact by harboring plant pests and diseases. This study was conducted to determine the allelopathic effect of S. elaeagnifolium on germination four receptor plants (radish, wheat, tomato and lettuce) also to study this effect on root and shoot growth in addition to study this effect on dry and fresh weight of the receptors. The study was conducted by preparing five aqueous extracts of Solanum elaeagnifolium parts (root, stem, leaves, flowers, and berries) at six concentrations (0%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10% and 20%), for experimentation of the allelopathy of S. elaeagnifolium seeds of these receptors were distributed in petri dishes containing whatmann filter paper moistened with 5ml of the aqueous extract, and allowed to germinate at room temperature, The plates containing the receptor plant were maintained wet using by the same treatment concentration added to the plates day after day. Germination percentage of all extracts were calculated, shoot and root length, fresh and dry weigh were measured. The results of this study showed that germination of radish and tomato were less inhibited by S. elaeagnifolium extracts compared with wheat and lettuce which showed inhibited growth at all concentrations of all S. elaeagnifolium parts. Areal parts (leaves, flowers and berries) of S. elaeagnifolium contain more allelochemichals that inhibit germination than roots and stems. S. elaeagnifolium inhibit the root growth of radish and wheat but it doesn’t inhibit shoot growth, but it inhibit shoots growth of tomato.