Effect of Aqueous Extracts of Peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) on the Germination and the Growth of Selected Vegetable and Cereal Seeds

Abstract

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) is grown in the gardens for its attractive look and multilateral use in the kitchen and medicine. The grown plant spreads very easily producing stolons and could effectively compete with other plant species. For the purpose of this study, the effect of aqueous extracts from dry peppermint leaves was examined on the germination, growth, fresh and dry weight, and electrolytes leakage of 10 species commonly grown in different regions of the world: Beta vulgaris L., Cucumis sativus L., Lactuca sativa L., Lupinus luteus L., Phaseolus vulgaris L., Raphanus sativus L. var. radicula Pers., Sinapis alba L., Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., Triticum aestivum L., and Zea mays L. Several concentrations of the aqueous extracts from peppermint leaves were prepared: 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15%. The seeds germination decreased with increasing concentration of aqueous extracts from peppermint leaves. The seed germination was completely inhibited on Petri dishes with 10 and 15% extracts. The tomato seeds were the most sensitive, they germinated on the distilled water and 1% extract only. The most resistant were the bean seeds that had the highest germination capacity. In general, the growth of seedlings of analyzed species was inhibited by the aqueous extracts from peppermint leaves. However, it was noticed the stimulating effect on the seedling growth of bean and maize on the 1% extract. The aqueous extracts from peppermint leaves caused the electrolyte leakage in all examined species and it raised with increasing extract concentration at the concentration higher than 3%.

Allelopathic interaction between two common meadow plants: Dactylis glomerata L. and Trifolium pratense L.

“…The results obtained are consistent with previous researches on other allelopathic interactions Możdżeń et al 2019). For example, Li et al (2016) stated that the cock's-foot roots can produce metabolites that inhibit seed germination and the growth of accompanying species.…”

“…There is a close correlation between the occurrence of environmental stresses that directly effect on plant growth and stimulation of phytotoxic production (Saxena et al 1996;San Emeterio et al 2007; Gioria and Osborne 2014). In natural ecosystems, allelopathic interactions begin already during seeds germination and have influence on the subsequent growth and development of plants (Narwal 1994;Możdżeń et al 2019). Many allelopathic substances that inhibit the growth of certain plants at higher concentrations can stimulate the growth of the same or different species at lower concentrations.…”

Ecophysiological Parameters of Medicinal Plant Filipendula vulgaris in Diverse Habitat Conditions

“…The lower content of heavy metals is important already during the germination of plants, and the phytotoxicity of these elements increases with their concentration in the soil [ 56 , 57 , 58 ]. Germination is among the first steps in the contact of seeds with a stress factor, which makes them a specific indicator of sensitivity and a measure of tolerance to chemical and physical conditions of the rhizosphere [ 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 ].…”

Fleeting Beauty—The World of Plant Fragrances and Their Application

“…It so happens that substances that are toxic to plant pests usually also have a specific smell. Extracts [ 130 , 131 ], decoctions and macerates are used for this purpose, but essential oils, as the most concentrated form of allelochemicals isolated from plants, are a promising alternative to chemical substances used in agriculture or for food processing. In 2009, the EU Commission issued Directive 2009/128/EC [ 132 ] on the sustainable use of pesticides, which also promotes the use of alternative, environmentally friendly strategies in pest management.…”