Abstract
The use of allelochemicals as weed control agents is becoming widely investigated. However, the impact of these bioherbicides on cultivated plants is less known. This study was carried out in order to evaluate the allelopathic effects of the aqueous extract of Clinopodium menthifolium on black nightshade ( Solanum nigrum ) antioxidant properties to explore the potential of this species in weed control and on pepper ( Capsicum annuum ) antioxidant properties so as to assess its possible side effects when applied as bioherbicide in organic production. Taking into account that plant extracts should be an alternative source for insect control, additional aim was also to evaluate contact effect of C. menthifolium aqueous extract against the greenhouse whitefly ( Trialeurodes vaporariorum ). Analysis by HPLC confirmed the presence of gallic acid, caffeic acid and 2-hidroxy-cinnamic acid as major components in the C. menthifolium aqueous extract. Both tested concentrations of C. menthifolium aqueous extract induced lipid peroxidation in black nightshade leaves and roots. It was observed that the aqueous extract with a concentration of 0.1% showed a toxic effect with 50% mortality of greenhouse whitefly adults. KEY WORDS : Allelochemicals, Antioxidants, Biopesticides, Capsicum annuum , Clinopodium menthifolium , Solanum nigrum , Trialeurodes vaporariorum Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2017 , 31(2), 211-222. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v31i2.3
Highlights
The most adopted method for controlling weeds and insect pests is the application of pesticides [1]
This study was carried out in order to evaluate the allelopathic effects of the aqueous extract of Clinopodium menthifoliumon black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) antioxidant properties to explore the potential of this species in weed control and on pepper (Capsicum annuum) antioxidant properties so as to assess its possible side effects when applied as bioherbicide in organic production
The method was evaluated in terms of linearity, reproducibility and limits of quantification
Summary
The most adopted method for controlling weeds and insect pests is the application of pesticides [1]. Allelochemicals are usually biomolecules produced in plant secondary metabolismor side products of main metabolic pathways [4]. One of the main invisible effects of allelochemicals on the target plant is uncontrolled production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide anions (O2.–), hydroxyl (OH.) or hydroperoxyl (HO2–) radicals [8]. ROS are natural products of plant metabolism, but under stress conditions, their generation is greatly increased [9]. These free radicals can react with lipids in cell membranes, proteins in tissues, carbohydrates and DNA [10]
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