Plumule Length Research Articles

Improving Seed Germination and Early Growth of Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum) and Basil (Ocimum basilicum) with Hydro-priming

Hydro-priming is a useful method for increasing speed and uniformity of germination in several plants, but pertinent research concerning garden cress (Lepidium sativum) and basil (Ocimum basilicum) does not exist in the literature. The effects of hydro-priming duration (0, 6, and 12 h) and temperature (15 and 25 °C) on seed germination and seedling vigour of garden cress and two varieties of basil (at priming temperature of 20 °C) were evaluated on paper and sand. With reference to garden cress, hydro-priming for 6 and 12 h at 15 °C increased uniformity of germination and reduced mean germination time. These improvements were more evident on paper. Moreover, hydro-priming for 6 and 12 h at 25 °C increased radicle length, plumule length, seedling length, and seedling vigour index on paper, but did not affect significantly those variables on sand. Overall, hydro-priming of garden cress seeds for 12 h can improve germination and early growth of this species, but germination medium can play a role due to different capacities for moisture retention. With reference to basil, hydro-priming reduced mean germination time for purple basil, but not for green basil. Also, reduced germination speed and uniformity of germination were observed for green basil on sand, but not for purple basil. Hydro-priming for 12 h increased plumule length, seedling length, and seedling vigour index for both basil varieties. Overall, hydro-priming of basil seeds for 12 h can improve germination and early growth of this species, but variety and germination medium can play a role. Data on improving germination of those species are not available in the literature and could be useful for improving plant establishment and yield of commercial plantations of garden cress and basil.

Potentiality of native Bacillus species in enhancing sesame seed germination and their antagonism against Macrophomina phaseolina under in vitro conditions

Native Bacillus species screened fromrhizosphere ofsesame (Sesamum indicum L.) were tested for their growth promoting and antagonistic effects. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence based homology, the bacterial isolates were identified as B. amyloliquefaciens, B. aryabhattai, B. cereus, B. flexus, B. megaterium, B. methylotrophicus, B. pumilus and B. subtilis. Results on biochemical characterization of Bacillus species indicated that majority of the isolates were producing catalase and were found to be diazotrophs. Only few isolates were found to produce protease, cellulase and HCN. Onlyone isolate (B. amyloliquefaciens)was found to be phosphate solubilizer. Further, in vitro antagonistic assay revealed that Bacillus subtilis and B. methylotrophicus could inhibit the mycelial growth of M. phaseolina by 30.9 and 29.0 per cent, respectively. Majority of the Bacillus species tested have increased sesame seed germination, radicle and plumule length compared to control. Overall, our results suggested the scope and potentiality of Bacillus species in promoting sesame seed germination and growth promotion besides suppression of pathogen.

Alkalinity and salinity tolerance during seed germination and early seedling stages of three alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars

The germination of halophytes in saline-alkali substrates is a useful criterion for selection tolerant alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars. The experimental conditions consisted of five levels of salinity (24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 mM) and four pH levels (7, 8, 9 and 10). The results showed that under saline conditions, the germination percentage (Gp), plumule length (Pl) and radical length (Rl) also decreased with increasing concentration. However, under low or moderate saline conditions, Pl and fresh weight decreased sharply but Rl was the longest at 48 and 72 mM and pH 7.1, which indicated that low salinity may promote radical growth appreciably. Salinity and alkalinity stresses had synergetic effects on Gp, Ge and Gi but not on Pl, Rl and fresh weight. The results confirmed Gp, Gi and Ge are important indices for assessing germinated energy of alfalfa in salinity-alkalinity soils. Moreover, three alfalfa cultivars tested were relatively tolerant of salinity and alkalinity and Stockpile was the most tolerant cultivar in the present experiment.

Cool‐Season Turfgrass Germination and Morphological Development Comparisons at Adjusted Osmotic Potentials

One of the major factors limiting seed germination and seedling development in a low‐input, low‐maintenance environment is soil moisture availability, yet little is known about the germination response of cool‐season turfgrasses to differing osmotic potentials. Controlled‐environment studies were conducted to identify germination characteristics of cool‐season turfgrass species experiencing water‐restricted conditions. At osmotic potentials between 0.0 and −1.6 MPa, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) germinated more and had greater radicle lengths than tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort], hard fescue (Festuca brevipila Tracey), strong creeping red fescue (F. rubra ssp. rubra L.), Chewings fescue [Festuca rubra L. ssp. fallax (Thuill.) Nyman], and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). Under higher osmotic potentials of 0.0 to −0.8 MPa, strong creeping red fescue had the greatest plumule lengths, but only perennial ryegrass was able to maintain significant plumule length at an osmotic potential of −1.2 MPa. Generally speaking and with some deviation between species, decreasing water potential between 0 and −0.7 MPa serves primarily to delay germination while decreasing water potential between −0.7 and −1.6 serves primarily to prevent germination. Based on germination occurrences and initial radicle and plumule length development at decreasing osmotic potentials, utilizing perennial ryegrass in turfgrass seed mixtures may enhance establishment under low soil moisture conditions.

Assessment of comparative effects of sodium chloride stress on various growth parameters in different verities of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) belongs to family Poaceae. It is a cereal grain cultivated throughout the world. Rice is one of the largest crop products of Pakistan. In the present study of two varieties of Rice (Oryza sativa L.), Swat Sella and Punjab Basmati varieties were studied in vitro for the assessment of germination and different growth parameters. These varieties were subjected in hydroponic culture to 100mM, 200mM, and 300mM of NaCl and compared with control. The increase in concentration of NaCl adversely affected the seedling germination and growth parameters. The results showed that Swat Sella rice variety showed greater average number of seeds germination, radicle length and plumule length in 100mM, 200mM, and 300mM of NaCl compared to Punjab variety. However, in controlled medium, it was observed that Punjab variety showed higher fresh weight of seedlings, plumule length, root length of plants, shoot length of plants and dry weight of plants in comparison to Swat variety. It can be concluded that the Swat Sella rice variety is better adopted and can grow better in salinity compared to Punjab variety that grows best in non-saline conditions. Keywords: Rice (Oryza sativa L.); Swat sella; Punjab basmati; NaCl; Hydroponic culture http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.60075

Effect of seeds priming treatments in viablity and vigour of soybean (glycine max l.) seeds under salinity stress

Two factorial experiments were conducted. One of them was laboratory experiment which was carried out at the Laboratory of Agriculture and Marshes College, University of Thi-Qar during laboratories of certification and test of seeds office in Thi-Qar governorate–Nassiriyah district during 2015. The other was conducted at the lath house with used the pots during spring season of 2016. The aim was to investigate the effect of soybean seeds priming before sowing on seed vigour and seedling growth characteristics under salinity stress. The design of Lab. experiment was (CRD) while for the other experiment was (RCBD) with four replications. Each experiment consisted of two factors. The first factor included seeds soaking treatments for 24 hours with KCL 10 g L-1, KCL 20 g L-1 and seeds soaking in distilled water, in addition to un soaked seeds treatment. The second factor was seeds planting in four levels of salinity 0, 2, 4 and 6 ds m-1. The results of Laboratory experiment showed that superiority soybean seeds soaked with KCL 20 g L-1 in given highest averages of germination speed, standard germination percentage, radical length, plumule length, seedling dry weight and seedling vigour index. Soybean seeds were germinated in distilled water media (control) gave highest averages in all of studied traits. The results of Laboratory experiment also showed that soybean seeds soaked with KCL 20 g L-1 led to improved the seeds germination and seedling growth traits under salinity stress. The results of pots experiment showed that superiority soybean seeds soaked with KCL 20 g L-1, in given highest averages of field emergence percentage, plant length and plant dry weight .Soybean seeds were sowed in distilled water media gave highest average in all of studied traits. The results of pots experiment also showed that soybean seeds soaked with KCL 20 g L-1 led to improved emergence percentage, plant growth under salinity stress.

Quantitative Trait Locus Analysis for Deep-Sowing Germination Ability in the Maize IBM Syn10 DH Population.

Deep-sowing is an effective measure to ensure seeds absorbing water from deep soil layer and emerging normally in arid and semiarid regions. However, existing varieties demonstrate poor germination ability in deep soil layer and some key quantitative trait loci (QTL) or genes related to deep-sowing germination ability remain to be identified and analyzed. In this study, a high-resolution genetic map based on 280 lines of the intermated B73 × Mo17 (IBM) Syn10 doubled haploid (DH) population which comprised 6618 bin markers was used for the QTL analysis of deep-sowing germination related traits. The results showed significant differences in germination related traits under deep-sowing condition (12.5 cm) and standard-germination condition (2 cm) between two parental lines. In total, 8, 11, 13, 15, and 18 QTL for germination rate, seedling length, mesocotyl length, plumule length, and coleoptile length were detected for the two sowing conditions, respectively. These QTL explained 2.51–7.8% of the phenotypic variance with LOD scores ranging from 2.52 to 7.13. Additionally, 32 overlapping QTL formed 11 QTL clusters on all chromosomes except for chromosome 8, indicating the minor effect genes have a pleiotropic role in regulating various traits. Furthermore, we identified six candidate genes related to deep-sowing germination ability, which were co-located in the cluster regions. The results provide a basis for molecular marker assisted breeding and functional study in deep-sowing germination ability of maize.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seed vigor tests for the prediction of field emergence

It is important to predict how plant seeds may germinate in the field using the lab tests. Accordingly, lab and field experiments were conducted to determine safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seed emergence. The vigor tests including electrical conductivity (EC) of seed leachate, seed germination and seedling growth rate were performed. The research work consisted of multi-stage experiments during seed germination (in the lab), seedling growth (in the growth chamber) and seed germination and yield production (in the field). At the germination stage (in the lab, split plot experiment) seed lot (SL), seed size (SS), and seed age (AA) were used as the experimental treatments to determine EC of leachate and germination percentage (GP) from day 1 to 6 (temperatures of 10 and 20°C). Moreover, total seed germination, rate of germination, mean of germination time and germination index were determined. At the seedling growth stage (in the growth chamber, split plot experiment), seed lots and the groups of emergence (GE) were used as the experimental treatments (temperatures of 10 and 20°C). Seedling related parameters including radicle and plumule length and weight were determined. At the seed germination (in the field, split plot experiment) planting date (PD) and seed lot were used as the experimental treatments. At the seedling growth stage (in the field, split split plot experiment) seed lot and group of emergence were also used as the experimental treatments. Seed vigor tests including seed germination and final emergence (FE), and crop yield and yield components including the number of tray per plant (NTP) and grain per tray (NGP), weight of 1000 grains (W1000), harvest index (HI) and grain yield (GY) were determined. In the lab, the seed related parameters were superior in the controlled seeds than the aged seeds, in the large seeds than the small seeds and in SL1 than the other SL’s. There was a negative and highly significant correlation between SL, SS and AA with the EC of the seed leachate as the highest rate of seed germination was resulted by the treatments, which had the least rate of leachate EC. However, GE’s were the functions of environmental conditions including temperature and moisture. In the lab, although at 20°C, GE1 resulted in the highest percentage of seed germination, under the cold conditions GE2 and GE3 significantly increased seed germination percentage, compared with GE1. PD1 and GE1 increased NTP, NGP, W1000 and GY. The lab tests indicated that among the vigor tests, the EC of the leachate and the rate of seed germination and final emergence in the field were highly and significantly correlated with safflower grain yield under field conditions and can be used for the prediction of safflower grain yield.

<b>Heterosis and combining ability of seed physiological quality traits of single cross vs. three-way sorghum hybrids

The aim of this research was to compare genetic parameters for traits related with seed germination and seedling vigour of single cross (SCH) vs . three-way (TWH) sorghum hybrids. The study was conducted in a sand bed under a greenhouse; 67 genotypes (four pairs of A- and B- lines, four R- lines, 13 SCH and 42 TWH) were allocated in a randomized complete blocks experimental design with three replications. Statistical analysis included ANOVA’s and Student “t” tests, while Tukey test (p £ 0.05) was applied for mean comparisons. The R-lines showed better physiological seed quality attributes than the A- and B- lines. The seed quality and heterosis values of SCH vs. that of TWH did not show significant differences (p > 0.05) for any variable; however, heterobeltiosis of SCH was higher than that of TWY for normal seedlings, dry weight of plumule and seedling emergence rate. The A2- line and R14 restorer line showed the highest GCA values in both types of hybrids. No differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found between maternal and paternal effects of the A- and B- lines involved in the male sterile cross (female parent) of the TWH, except for plumule length in Line 5.

Sunflower germination and growth behavior under various gamma radiation absorbed doses

Gamma radiation, various absorbed doses (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5 krad) effects were evaluated on sunflower (Helianthus annus. L.) germination and growth characteristics. Sunflower healthy seeds were exposed to gamma radiation source Co60 at nuclear institute for food and agriculture and exposed seeds were grown under controlled laboratory conditions. In comparison to control, gamma radiation absorbed doses affected the measured response positively i.e., radical length, plumule length, number of roots, seedling fresh weight, seedling dry weight, germination percentage, time of germination and diameter of hypocotyl of sunflower enhanced up to 83.15%, 70.32%, 73.03%, 4.80%, 3.26%, 72.0%, −18.88% and 12.58%, respectively. The time of germination, fresh weight and percent moisture contents enhanced insignificantly, however, the response was higher than control. All gamma radiation absorbed doses showed a stimulatory effect on sunflower germination and seedling growth characteristics. The low gamma radiation absorbed doses were found to be more effective versus higher doses for enhancing the germination and growth characteristics of sunflower. In view of positive effect of gamma radiation of sunflower germination and growth characteristics, it is concluded that this techniques could possibly be used for the enhancement of germination, growth and ultimately yield in sunflower in areas where germination is low due to unfavorable conditions.

Seed priming effect on field emergence and grain yield in sorghum

Most cultivars of sorghum have low field emergence as common problem. Three experiments were carried out at Agriculture College, Baghdad University. First experiment was conducted in laboratory according to Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with four replicates. Second and third experiments were conducted at field according to Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) during the spring and the fall seasons of 2015, respectively, with four replicates for each one. Same two factors were studied at each experiment. First factor was seed priming by seed soaking for 10 hours in distilled water, solvents of GA3, KCl and thiamine (300, 40 and 30 mg*L-1, respectively) and non-primed seed. Second factor was three cultivars of sorghum (Inqath, Kafier and Rabeh). The aim was to improve field emergence and grain yield of sorghum under wide range of environmental conditions by using seed priming. Data were analyzed at P˂0.05. The results showed significant effects of seed priming, cultivars of sorghum and their interaction on most traits under this study. A significant superiority of interaction was found between thiamine and Rabeh on length of plumule and dry weight of seedling at laboratory experiment. A significant superiority of interaction was found between thiamine and Rabeh on percentage of field emergence and total grain yield during spring season. A significant superiority of interaction was found between KCl and Inqath on percentage of field emergence and total grain yield during fall season. It can be concluded that technique of seed priming is effective to improve field emergence and grain yield of sorghum under wide range of environmental conditions.

The Effect of Different Levels of Salinity and Potassium Nitrate on the Germination of Cocks Comb (<i>Celosia cristata</i>)

Cocks Comb (Celosia cristata) is a hot-season annual species which is grown from seeds. A study was carried out in the horticulture laboratory of Gorgan University of Agriculture Science and Natural Resources of February 2013 to evaluate the impact of salinity and potassium nitrate on the germination of cockscomb with five salinity levels (0, −2, −4, −6, and −8 bars) and three potassium nitrate levels (0%, 0.2%, and 0.4%) at 25°C on the basis of a Randomized Complete Block Design. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among salinity levels in germination percentage, radicle length, plumule length, and seed vigor at the 1% probability level. Mean comparison for germination percentage revealed that higher salinity reduced seed germination percentage so that it was decreased from 80% in no salinity to 15% in −8 dS⋅m−1. The highest percentage of germination was related to zero percent salt and potassium nitrate 0.2%. Also, the highest radicle length of 2.48 cm was related to no salinity and the lowest one (0.61 cm) to −6 dS salinity. The highest radicle length and seed vigor were also observed in no salinity. Potassium nitrate by itself had no impact on the measured traits. Among interactions between salinity and potassium nitrate, the highest germination percentage was observed under 0 salinity × 0.2% potassium nitrate.

Effects of Salinity on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Landraces During Germination Stage

Soil salinity is abiotic factor which can decrease production and productivity of chickpea landraces in semi-arid areas. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the second most important legume crop after dry beans and grows under a wide range of agro-ecological zone which is highly salt sensitive from pulse crops. The aim of this study is to screen out the most tolerant chickpea landraces genotype at soil saline problem and the research was carried out as factorial form with completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with three replications. The experimental treatments were four salt (NaCl) concentration levels (0 dS/m, 5 ds/m, 10 ds/m and 15 ds/m) and five chickpea landraces (Dadi, Dido, Dida, Dimi and Soya). The results indicated that significant difference was observed in germination percentage, germination rate, radicle length and plumule length parameters under salinity conditions. Dimi, Dido and Dadi were showed that high in germination percentage, radicle length and plumule length, respectively. The ANOVA for treatments, genotypes and their interaction were found to be highly significant at (p<0.05) with regard to all parameters. Chickpea landraces Dimi, Dido and Dadi were salt tolerant during germination stage. However, chickpea landraces soya was salt sensitive during this stage. The rest chickpea landrace was intermediate in its salt tolerance. The current study showed that morphological traits are used as a selection criterion for tolerant in salt affected soil areas.

Effect of physical and chemical treatments on seed germination of Salvia nemarosa

In order to assess the impact of physical and chemical treatments on dormancy and germination ability of medicinal species Salvia nemarosa, two separate experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design in five replications in laboratory of Faculty of Agriculture of Azad University of Isfahan. The treatments included: control 1 (without laser light), red laser light for 15 min, control 2 (without gibberellic acid), gibberellic acid for 24 h. After 21 days, germinated and green seeds were counted and some traits such as germination per cent, fresh weight of rootlet and plumule, dry weight of rootlet and plumule, rootlet and plumule length, the number of germinated and green seeds in 21 days were measured. The results showed that exerted treatments had significant effects on the germination per cent and measuring traits compared to control and treatment of 500 ppm gibberellic acid had the greatest impact on most of the traits. In general, it could be concluded that the impact of chemical treatments was more than physical treatment, but in terms of health and improving agricultural crops, physical treatments were more affordable and were a proper alternative for chemical treatments.

Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) Spach aqueous extract inhibits seed germination and seedling growth of winter wheat (Triticum durum Desf.)

Aqueous extract of Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) Spach was evaluated for phytotoxicity effect against winter wheat (Triticum durum) seed germination and seedling growth. Aqueous concentrations of 2, 4, 8 and 10% (w/v) of Sarcopoterium spinosum were used. The reduction in germination percentage was more than 40%, while the reduction in germination rate was almost 60%. The reduction in radicle length was more than 60%, while the reduction in radicle dry weight was almost 50%. The reduction in plumule length was more than 40%, while the reduction in plumule dry weight was more than 35%. The reduction of root dry weight was more than 60%, while the reduction of shoot dry weight was more than 35%. The reduction of chlorophyll content was more than 40% at the highest extract concentration compared with control. In conclusion, S. spinosum had strong phytotoxicity effect against winter wheat. Therefore, S. spinosum aqueous extract is a good candidate as a bio-herbicide against winter wheat.

Response to Cadmium stress in Vigna radiata L., Trigonella foenum-graceum L., Oryza sativa L. and Pennisetum glaucum L.

Industrialization has resulted in the heavy metal contamination of agricultural soil. In the recent past, extensive studies on heavy metals are being carried out throughout the world, to understand the disturbances caused in the ecosystems. In the present study, Cadmium was assessed for its injurious effect on seed germination and seedling growth of VignaradiataL., Trigonella foenum-graceum L., OryzasativaL. and PennisetumglaucumL. The seeds growing in petri dishes were exposed to cadmium in increasing concentrations of 1,3,5,10,50,100,200,300,500 ppm. Each treatment was replicated in a randomised design and observed over a period of 7 days. The seedlings were studied for their response based on germination rate, seed, vigour index, length of radicle, length of plumule and fresh weight against seeds germinated using distilled water as control. The intensity of inhibitory effect on all other parameters was directly proportional to the concentration of cadmium solution employed and inhibition was prominent from 50 ppm onwards. Based on the overall health of the seedling, the observed toxic effect of Cadmium was pronounced in Trigonella foenum-graceum L. &gt;Oryza sativa L. &gt;Pennisetum glaucum L. &gt;Vigna radiate L.

Storability of some Oil Seed Crops Under Two Types of Packages

Effect of storability on germination, viability and chemical composition of sunflower (Sakha53), canola (Sero4) and sesame seeds (Shandwel3 and Giza32) was the aim of this study was contacted at the Seed Technology Research of Sakha, Agric. Res. Station, ARC, Egypt, during the period 2012- 2014 years to investigate the effect of some storage conditions, i.e. storage period (6 and 18 months) and storage packages ( aluminum foil and woven poly ethylene) on some seed quality parameters of some oil seed cropes. The results indicates that increasing storage period significantly reduced germination percentage, plumule length, radical length, dry seedling weight, 1000-seed weight, relative density, oil percentage, crude protein percentage, while increased electrical conductivity and acidity percentage. The highest values of germination percentage, plumule length, radical length, dry seedling weight, 1000-seed weight, relative density, oil percentage, protein percentage and the best viability characters (by decline electrical conductivity and acidity percentage were recoded by seeds stored in aluminum foil, whereas seeds stored in woven polyethylene package gave bad viability characters (by increasing electrical conductivity and acidity percentage) for sunflower, canola and sesame seeds. For the impact of sesame cultivars the results were Shandwel3 cultivar gave the highest germination percentage, plumule length, radical length, dry seedling weight, 1000-seed weight, relative density and lowest electrical conductivity value. On the other hand, Giza32 gave the highest oil percentage and lowest acidity percentage.

Tolerance to Salt Stress by Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria on Brassica rapa var. glabra

Salinity has been a threat to agriculture in some parts of the world; and recently, the threat has grown. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) may benefit plant growth, either by improving plant nutrition or producing plant growth hormones. The effects of rhizobacterial strains to attenuate the salinity stress on the germination of Chinese cabbage seeds were tested using four different concentrations of NaCl (50, 100, 150, and 200 mM). Also, PGPR strains were tested to enhance the early germination of Chinese cabbage seeds under normal conditions. Azotobacter chroococcum performed best with enhancing the radicle length of 4.0, 1.2, and 1.0 times at treatments of 50, 100, and 150 mM of NaCl, respectively. Additionally, significant differences were found in plumule length, A. chroococcum and Lactobacillus sp. showed remarkable activation either in normal or under stress conditions. Co-inoculation by three rhizobacterial strains (LAPmix) indicated synergistic effect to enhance the early germination of the seeds. The results of this study are promising for application of rhizobacterial strains that possess plant growth promoting traits to enhance the plant tolerance against salinity.

Allelopathic potential of Artemisia herba-alba and Anthemis arvensis to control Weeds in Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and Barley (Hordeum vulgare)

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potentials for utilization of Artemisia herba-alba and Anthemis arvensis shoot aqueous extract at different concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5%) to suppress the germination and growth of Panicum turgidum and Portulaca oleracea (weeds of crop fields) in Petri dish experiment. Results indicated that the degree of inhibition on seed germination and growth of the recipient species was largely dependent on the concentration of A. herba-alba and A.arvensis shoot aqueous extract. The aqueous extract of A.herba-alba showed the highest allelopathic effect on the germination of the seeds of P. turgidum, (10%,10% and 0%) while the effect of A. arvensis shoot aqueous extract was greater on the germination of the seeds P. oleracea (40%,0% and 0%). Percentage germination of the two selected crop species Triticum aestivum and Hordeum vulgare also de-creased as the A.herba-alba and A.arvensis shoot aqueous extract concentra-tion increased from 1% to 5% (90%,80% and 70%),(40%,40% and 20%). But the inhibition percentage was largely less than that of weed species. The results also showed that H.vulgare was more sensitive than T. aestivum and responds more strongly to the increase of concentration of A. herba-alba shoot aqueous extract . Results also showed that the radicle length of almost all tested species was more sensitive to allelochemicals from A.herba-alba and A.arvensis shoot aqueous extract than plumule length. Therefore, A. herba-alba and A. arvensis shoot aqueous extract may offer promises for their usefulness as a tool for weed management.

Phenolic profile, antioxidant capacity of five Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Willd provenances and their allelopathic effects on Trigonella foenum-graecum L. and Lens culinaris L. seeds

The aim of this work was to evaluate some secondary metabolites, antioxidant activity of methanolic leaf extracts of five Ziziphus spina-christi provenances (INRGREF, Tozeur, Degueche, Nafta and Kebelli) and their allelopathic effects on Trigonella foenum-graecum and Lens culinaris. Leaves were collected during 2013 and 2014. Total phenols, flavonoids, tannins and antioxidant activity were evaluated using the Folin ciocalteux, Aluminum trichloride, vanillin and scavenging activity on 22-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical methods, respectively. Total phenols, tannins and flavonoids were present, at levels of 57.41 mg GAE/g DW, 31.98 mg RE/g DW and 14.68 μg CE/g DW, respectively. The high antioxidant activity (0.086 μg/mL) was noted in kebelli provenance (2013). The highest germination, plumule and radicle lengths of tested species were observed in INRGREF provenance. Z. spina-christi leaf extracts may be suggested in foods and pharmaceutical industries. Leaf extracts could also provide a natural herbicide with a positive impact on the environment.