Herbicidal Evaluation of the Aqueous Extract of Populus nigra L. Leaves on Six Weed Species

Abstract

In a laboratory experiment, the allelopathic potentials of poplar leaves were evaluated against six different weeds. Populus nigra leaves (PNLs) powder 10 15g and 20g concentrations were soaked discretely in 200ml distilled water for 96 hours with infrequent shaking and were filtered to get aqueous extracts, tested against six weedy species viz. Avena fatua, Phalaris minor), Rumex dentatus, Parthenium hysterophorus, Lepidium sativum and Silybum marianum  with a view to explore its herbicidal potential. Germination and growth of all six weeds species was reduced with increasing concentration of the leaves and a dose-response relationship was observed. Results suggests the potential role of these plant extracts in the management of weeds; however, more work is needed to be conducted for identification of the allelochemicals present in poplar plant which exhibit inhibitory activities against seed germination and growth parameters of test plants. 

Keywords

• Populus nigra; weed suppression,herbicidal potential,phenolics,growth regulators

Herbicidal Evaluation of the Aqueous Extract of Populus nigra L. Leaves on Six Weed Species

Abstract

In a laboratory experiment, the herbicidal potential of poplar leaves was evaluated against six weed species that are Avena fatua, Phalaris minor, Rumex dentatus, Parthenium hysterophorus, Lepidium sativum and Silybum marianum. Aqueous extract of Populus nigra leaves’ powder obtained at 10, 15, and 20 g concentrations were used as treatments for testing germination and seedling growth responses of the target weed species. Germination and growth of all six weeds species were reduced with increasing concentration of the leaves.  Results suggests the potential role of this plant’s extracts in the management of weeds; however, more work is needed to be conducted for identification of the allelochemicals present in poplar plant which exhibit inhibitory activities against seed germination and growth parameters of test plants.

Keywords

• Populus nigra; weed suppression,herbicidal potential,growth regulators,, phenolics

References

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