The present study was designed to assess the allelopathic potential of invasive weed Ageratina adenophora leaf extracts on seed germination and seedling development efficiency of native tree [viz. Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus (Oak) and Pinus roxburghii Sarg. (Pine)] and crop [(Triticum aestivum L. (Wheat) and Lens culinaris Medik. (Lentil)] species of Kumaun Himalaya. Pot experiments were conducted in the glasshouse of the Botany Department, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun University Nainital, following a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with three treatments (C-25%, C-50%, and C-100% of aqueous leaf extract) and one control, each with five replicates. The experiment lasted one year for tree species and continued until the seed maturation phase for crop species. Parameters such as seed germination proportion, root and shoot measurements, biomass, and crop productivity traits were recorded accordingly. Our bioassay results indicated that the inhibitory effect of leaf extracts on the measured traits of the selected native species was proportional to the applied extract concentrations of A. adenophora. Overall, lentil among crops and oak among tree species exhibited more inhibition compared to wheat and pine, respectively. At the highest concentration, reductions of 44%, 34%, 36%, and 24% in biomass production capacity were recorded for wheat, lentil, pine, and oak, respectively, while wheat and lentil productivity decreased by up to 33% and 45%, respectively. These results suggest that water-soluble allelochemicals produced by A. adenophora may impede the establishment of selected crop and tree species in agroecosystems and forest ecosystems invaded by this weed species. However, further studies on the characterization of phytochemicals and their specific role in seed germination and growth are warranted. Furthermore, the allelopathic potential of A. adenophora can be explored for the preparation of biopesticides and nature-friendly option to improve soil health, crop productivity, and reduce environmental pollution and management of this invasive weed.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10646-024-02768-6DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

seed germination
12
tree species
12
ageratina adenophora
8
germination growth
8
efficiency native
8
native tree
8
species
8
crop species
8
species kumaun
8
kumaun himalaya
8

Similar Publications

Microbial assisted alleviation of nickel toxicity in plants: A review.

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf

January 2025

Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp 23456, Sweden. Electronic address:

Nickel (Ni) is required in trace amounts (less than 500 µg kg) in plants to regulate metabolic processes, the immune system, and to act as an enzymatic catalytic cofactor. Conversely, when nickel is present in high concentration, it is considered as a toxic substance. Excessive human nickel exposure occurs through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, ultimately leading to respiratory, cardiovascular, and chronic kidney diseases.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The presence of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) alongside toxic metals in soil significantly threatens plant health. Current research mainly focuses on the effects of original BMPs. In contrast, the specific impacts of ultraviolet (UV)-aged BMPs and their interaction with Cadmium (Cd) on seed germination and growth are unclear.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Biodegradation of azo dyes by Aspergillus flavus and its bioremediation potential using seed germination efficiency.

BMC Microbiol

January 2025

Department of Biological and Geological Sciences, Faculty of Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 11341, Egypt.

The worldwide textile industry extensively uses azo dyes, which pose serious health and environmental risks. Effective cleanup is necessary but challenging. Developing bioremediation methods for textile effluents will improve color removal efficiency.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Algal-bacterial bioremediation of cyanide-containing wastewater in a continuous stirred photobioreactor.

World J Microbiol Biotechnol

January 2025

The Biotechnology Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, 11562, Egypt.

This study reports the isolation and characterization of highly resistant bacterial and microalgal strains from an Egyptian wastewater treatment station to cyanide-containing compounds. The bacterial strain was identified as Bacillus licheniformis by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolate removed up to 1 g L potassium cyanide, 3 g L benzonitrile, and 1 g L sodium salicylate when incubated as 10% v/v in MSM at 30 ℃.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Two pepper subclass II SnRK2 genes positively regulate drought stress response, with differential responsiveness to abscisic acid.

Plant Physiol Biochem

January 2025

Department of Life Science (BK21 Program), Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-Ro, Dongjak-Gu, 06974, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Electronic address:

Sucrose nonfermenting-1-related protein kinase 2 (SnRK2) intricately modulates plant responses to abiotic stresses and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. In pepper genome, five SnRK2 genes with sequence homology to CaSnRK2.6 showed distinct expression patterns across various pepper organs and in response to treatments with ABA, drought, mannitol, and salt.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!