Phytotoxicity of three Plantago species on germination and seedling growth of hairy beggarticks (Bidens pilosa L.)

Publication date: Available online 29 July 2015 Source:Egyptian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences Author(s): Ahmed M. Abd El-Gawad, Ibrahim A. Mashaly, Mohamed E. Abu Ziada, Maha R. Deweeb Plantago genus has a wide geographical distribution all over the world. It has been widely used in folk medicine for various purposes, where it is used as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antitumor agent. In this research, total phenols, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and alkaloids were determined in Plantago lagopus, Plantago major and Plantago squarrosa. Furthermore, concentrations of 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 mg ml−1 of both alcoholic and aqueous extracts were prepared to study their phytotoxic effect on the germination and seedling growth of the noxious weed Bidens pilosa. P. major expressed the highest values of total phenolics, tannins and flavonoids. However, P. lagopus has the highest content of alkaloids. The germination of B. pilosa was completely inhibited under treatment of P. lagopus and P. major methanolic extracts at 7.5 mg ml−1 and 10 mg ml−1, respectively. However, the allelopathic effect of P. lagopus aqueous extract showed a complete inhibition of B. pilosa germination followed by P. major. The germination inhibition of B. pilosa increased with the increase in the extracts concentration. In addition, both radicle and plumule were strongly inhibited under the same treatment. Our results showed a potent allelopathic effect on...

Source: Egyptian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences - July 29, 2015 Category: Science Source Type: research