Allelopathic effect of goosefoot on germination and early stage growth of triticale and radish

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extracts from Chenopodium album L. on germination and early stages of triticale grains (×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A.Camus) and radish seeds (Raphanus sativus L.). Germination indexes, fresh and dry mass, water content and electrolyte leakage were measured. Studies revealed the different germination capacity of triticale grains and radish seeds, where increased concentrations of allelopathins in aqueous C. album extracts significantly inhibited seedling growth for both species. The extracts had an inhibitory effect on the growth of seedling fresh mass. An increase in dry mass of radish seedlings was demonstrated for each of the extracts and, for triticale seedlings, only at concentrations of 0.5% and 1.5%. Water content in triticale and radish seedlings varied depending on the concentration of allelopathins in the extract. With increasing concentrations of C. album extract, regardless of seedling type, a statistically significant increase in electrolyte leakage was observed.