Allelopathic effect of preparations of Betula pendula Roth., Chamomilla recutita L. and Urtica dioica L. on the initial growth of Hordeum vulgare L.

Abstract

The experiment investigated the effect of preparations of <em>Betula pendula</em>, <em>Chamomilla recutita</em>, and <em>Urtica dioica</em> on the initial growth of <em>Hordeum vulgare</em> under laboratory conditions. The experiment involved a water solution of sap from the trunk of <em>B. pendula</em>, an infusion from <em>Ch. recutita</em>, extracts from leaves and rhizomes as well as macerated herbage of <em>U. dioica</em>, at the concentrations of 2.5%; 5%; 10% and 20%. During the first four days of the growth of the test plants, the plant preparations tested had a stimulatory effect on the length of leaves and roots in all the cases. The leaf increases were greater than those of the roots and became smaller with an increase in the concentration of the preparations. Continued watering of <em>H. vulgare</em> seedlings resulted in a further increase in leaf length after the application of <em>U. dioica</em> macerate and <em>Ch. recutita</em> infusion, with a simultaneous increase in root length with the macerate of <em>U. dioica</em> and <em>B. pendula</em> sap used at the concentrations of 2.5–10%. The other extracts made from <em>U. dioica</em> leaves and roots, irrespective of the concentration applied, strongly reduced the increase in leaves and roots from 11 to 27%. The weight of roots and leaves in <em>H. vulgare</em>, over the entire range of the concentrations applied and irrespective of the duration of the experiment, was stimulated only by <em>B. pendula</em> sap. The extracts from <em>Ch. recutita</em> and <em>U. dioica</em>, especially the leaf and root extracts, significantly reduced the root weight of the test plant.

Nettle, a Long-Known Fiber Plant with New Perspectives

“…Several studies sought to demonstrate the allelopathic potential of nettle, which depends both on the concentration used and the plant species. For example, some studies showed the inhibitory effect of aqueous nettle extracts on barley [143], wind grass, and lambsquarters germination [144], whereas [145] showed that leaf and root extracts of Urtica dioica significantly reduced root mass. Khan et al [146] found a strong inhibitory effect of methanolic extracts of the stinging nettle on radish germination and growth.…”

Effect of aqueous extracts of selected medicinal plants on germination of windgrass [Apera spica-venti (L.) P. Beauv.] and lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.) seeds

“…In this study, we tested four herbal species, known for their allelopathic effects: Hypericum perforatum [3], Urtica dioica [5,7,8], Achillea millefolium [9,10], and Matricaria chamomilla [4,11]. The Hypericum perforatum contains mainly hypericin (0.1%), but also triterpene saponins, tannins (8%), polyphenols, phenolic acids (chlorogenic, coffee, nicotine), phytosterols, essential oils, flavonoids (rutoside and quercitine; 4%) [12].…”