Abstract
The objective of this work was to evaluate the allelopathic potential of aqueous extracts of young and mature leaves from Sapindus saponaria on diaspore germination and seedling growth of barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) and morningglory (Ipomoea grandifolia). The aqueous extract was prepared in a proportion of 100 g of dried, ground leaves dissolved in 1000 mL of distilled water, resulting in a 10% extract concentrate. Dilutions of this concentrate were made with distilled water to 7.5, 5.0 and 2.5%. In seedling growth tests, we compared the effect of these extracts with the herbicide nicosulfuron. Both extracts of mature and young leaves caused delays and reductions in diaspore germination and seedling length of barnyardgrass and morningglory, with the most intense effects observed at a concentration of 10%. The effects of the young leaf extract were more similar to those observed with the herbicide, demonstrating that leaf maturation stage of S. saponaria affects its inhibitory effects on the growth of other plants and that this species is effective in controlling weeds.
Highlights
As a result of agricultural expansion, Brazil has become the largest consumer of pesticides in the world, accounting for 86% of the Latin American pesticide market (AZEVEDO, 2010)
This study aimed to evaluate the allelopathic potential of aqueous extracts of young and mature leaves of Sapindus saponaria on the germination of diaspores and growth of seedlings of Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P
Extracts of Sapindus saponaria leaves significantly inhibited the germination of barnyardgrass and morningglory diaspores
Summary
As a result of agricultural expansion, Brazil has become the largest consumer of pesticides in the world, accounting for 86% of the Latin American pesticide market (AZEVEDO, 2010). The large-scale use of these products has been accompanied by environmental problems, including significant impacts on biota and risks to human health (VYVYAN, 2002). The search for natural substances that do not possess the disadvantages of synthetic herbicides is of fundamental importance (SOUZA FILHO et al, 2006). Many techniques are being applied in an attempt to reduce the use of commercial herbicides. Agronomy include weed management in crop rotation, systems of sowing between species, use of green manure and other agro-ecological systems (KATO-NOGUCHI, 2003). All of these models are affected by allelopathic relationships between the species involved
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