Abstract
This study represents the comprehensive screening of allelopathic activity of weeds in Pakistan by applying sandwich and dish pack methods. The source for existing research of weed control towards classifying the potent organic compounds for controlling weeds in crops is the screening of large quantities of plants. Strong allelopathic weeds species have been acknowledged from analysis to provide direction for further research. Under laboratory conditions 73 weeds species were examined for their allelopathic potentials through latest bioassay activity evaluation techniques. The research information generated from the present work can be used as a benchmark for future research on the allelochemical identification and characterization. During the follow up work of present endeavor; methanolic leaf extracts of strongest allelopathic species shall be tested for antioxidant activities on crops pathogens and will also be recommended as allelopathic cover crop for biological control of weeds to support agro-environment conservation. In Pakistan, the allelopathic activity evaluation of plants through bioassay techniques is quite rare. There is a dire need to develop a complete data base of plants having strong allelopathic potential through application of these latest techniques.
Highlights
Use of allelochemicals as inexpensive, biodegradable and eco-friendly substitutes for the management of weeds in crops is a central topic nowadays
A total of 73 plant species were studied for their allelopathic potential
Melilotus indicus was identified as the strongest allelopathic plant among the 73 weed species, followed by Medicago parviflora
Summary
Use of allelochemicals as inexpensive, biodegradable and eco-friendly substitutes for the management of weeds in crops is a central topic nowadays. Objective: The current study represented the comprehensive screening of allelopathic activity of 73 weeds in Pakistan by the Sandwich method and dish pack method. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical techniques were applied to investigate allelochemical potential of Melilotus indicus. Results: Elongation percentage of radicle and hypocotyl ranged 0-74 % to 0-148 % and 0-75 % to 0-84 % respectively at 10 mg concentration of dry plant powder in sandwich method while it was 2-234 % and 7-150 % at in Dish Pack method. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of M. indicus showed the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compound along with other allelochemical. Conclusions: Selected weeds may have strong allelochemical potential that can help in the development of bioactive compounds from plant species to be used as natural herbicides and pesticides for sustainable management of weeds and pest
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