Phytotoxitic activity of Apeiba tibourbou Aubl. and Curatella americana L. aqueousextracts on seed germination of Lactuca sativa L.

Abstract

Allelochemicals have been used as an alternative to pesticides and inhibit the action of pathogens or stimulating the growth of other plants. This study aimed to analyze the phytotoxic potential of the species Apeiba tibourbou Aubl. (Malvaceae) pau-de-jangada and Curatella americana L. (Dilleniaceae) lixeira on the germination of Lactuca sativa L. seeds (Asteraceae). Aqueous extracts of A. tibourbou and C. americana leaves at different concentrations were applied on L. sativa seeds for seven days. The species studied have the potential to control the germination of lettuce seeds treated with lixeira and pau-de-jangada extracts, especially in terms of germination speed index and average germination time. The extracts of both species have phytotoxic potential for controlling germination.