Contribution to the allelopathic study of Melia azedarach L. on the germination and initial growth of Fagopyrum esculentum Moench and Cyperus iria L. seeds

Abstract

Allelopathy can be considered a chemical interference of one or more substances from a plant species in the development of another species, encompassing both inhibition and stimulation effects. In this context, the goal of the current research was to evaluate the allelopathic effect of Melia azedarach (chinaberry) leaf extracts on the germination of Fagopyrum esculentum (buckwheat) and Cyperus iria seeds. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design where the seeds were placed on germitest paper containing an aqueous extract of M. azedarach leaves at concentrations corresponding to 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% and kept in a germination chamber in the presence of light. The analyzed variables were: first germination count, germination, length, and dry mass of seedlings. The results showed that, for both species, aqueous extracts at a concentration of 25% affected germination and initial seedling growth differently. The inhibition or stimulation of seed germination and initial growth depended on the extract concentration and varied in different species. M. azedarach extracts are not indicated for the control of C. iria. Therefore, it recommends removing M. azedarach leaves from the fields before sowing to prevent a negative impact on the early development of buckwheat and to stimulate the growth of C. iria.