Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Phytotoxic effects of Lepidium didymum L. fruit extract on germination and growth of Vicia sativa and Rumex dentatus
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Shadab Mo, Ain Quratul, Aijaz Farha, Akhtar Nazish, Siddiqui M. B.
Research Articles | Published: 05 September, 2025
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Keywords: Allelopathy, Germination index, GC-MS, Natural herbicide, Weed control
Abstract
Weeds are biotic agents that cause major ecological problems and considerable losses to crop production worldwide. Increasing food demand necessitates innovative weed-management strategies. The traditional reliance on synthetic herbicides poses environmental and health risks. This study examined the phytotoxic effects of an aqueous extract derived from the fruits of Lepidium didymum on two weed species, Vicia sativa (common vetch) and Rumex dentatus (toothed dock). L. didymum, recognized for its abundant phytochemical content, presents a potential natural alternative to synthetic herbicides. Laboratory bioassays were conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effects of varying concentrations of fruit aqueous extract (FAE) on the seed germination index, seedling growth, biomass accumulation, and chlorophyll and carotenoid content of V. sativa and R. dentatus. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in germination percentage, germination rate, germination vigour, and seedling growth in both weed species, with higher extract concentrations showing stronger phytotoxicity. The effect of the extract on root and shoot elongation and overall plant vigour was quantitatively assessed, showing dose-dependent inhibition. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of leaf morphology revealed notable differences, including partially closed stomata and damaged guard cells, in comparison to the control group. Additionally, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling of a methanolic fruit extract identified twenty-eight components. Further field studies and identification of specific allelochemicals are recommended to validate these laboratory results and optimize the application methods for agricultural use. The results indicated that the fruits of L. didymum possess a high concentration of allelochemicals, which inhibited the growth of weed species and may serve as viable natural herbicide alternatives.
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Author Information
Allelopathy and Plant Taxonomy Laboratory, Department of Botany, Faculty of Life Science, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India