Abstract
Allelopathy has the potential to tackle the concerns associated with the indiscriminate use of synthetic herbicides. In search of a natural herbicide, the effects of mulberry (Morus alba) leaf water extracts on bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) were investigated. Four concentrations of extract (25, 50, 75, and 100%) were compared with a control (distilled water). The results revealed that the pregermination application of 100% mulberry leaf water extract resulted in the complete inhibition of bermudagrass and wheat germination. However, postemergence, two foliar sprays suppressed only the growth of bermudagrass and promoted wheat growth. The effect of the mulberry leaf water extract was concentration dependent. It is evident that the postemergence application of mulberry leaf water extract has the scope for use as natural herbicide for the control of bermudagrass and to promote the growth and yield of wheat.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 234-240 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Weed Biology and Management |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2010 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Allelopathy
- Bermudagrass
- Growth
- Mulberry
- Natural herbicide
- Wheat
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Agronomy and Crop Science