Herbicidal Activity of Asphodelus microcarpus against Selected Weed Species (Chenopodium album) of Wheat (Triticum aestivum)

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the bio-herbicidal potential of Asphodelus microcarpus L. (AM) on Chenopodium album L. (CA); a major wheat pest (Triticum aestivum L., TA). This research was conducted to study the allelopathic effects of AM on some growth parameters and photosynthetic pigments of CA and TA in both mono and mixed cultures. Moreover, some metabolites were determined in TA. The results showed a reduction in the plant growth in both CA and TA, with considerably stronger allelopathic effects on the growth of CA, as compared with that of TA, in the presence of different AM concentrations. Photosynthetic pigments in CA were also significantly decreased. The organ length of CA under control was lower in mixed cultures than in monocultures. This may be an indication of the allelopathic potential of TA on CA. The results also indicated that, proline and amino acids in TA were accumulated significantly under the allelopathic effect of AM. In this respect, TA has more tolerance and resistance to the allelopathic treatments when compared with CA. This study suggests the suppressive potential of allelopathy against selected weed species, and offers promises for their usefulness as a tool of weed management.