Allelopathic Effect of Some Wild Species on Germination and Growth of Bidens pilosa

Abstract

The present study was conducted to determine the allelopathic effect of the aqueous extracts of Cynanchum acutum, Anagallis arvensis, Chenopodium murale, Malva parviflora, Sonchus oleraceus and Portulaca oleracea on the germination and growth of Bidens pilosa plant. Also, the presence of total phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and alkaloids, were screened in the studied plants. The results indicated that the aqueous extract of C. acutum, A. arvensis, C. murale, M. parviflora, S. oleraceus and P. oleracea showed a remarkable allelopathic effect on germination and growth of B. pilosa. The effectiveness of the extract was much higher on C. acutum, as it is the most effective in reducing the shoot and root growth of B. pilosa followed by S. oleraceus, M. parviflora, P. oleracea, C. murale and A. arvensis. The allelochemicals such as total phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and alkaloids present in C. acutum, A. arvensis, C. murale, M. parviflora, S. oleraceus and P. oleracea. From the present study, it is concluded that the aqueous extract of the tested plants can be used as natural source in controlling B. pilosa.