The autoalelopathic potential of the Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata l.) leaf extract as a natural herbicide

Abstract

The siam weed (Chromolaena odorata L.) has allelochemical compounds capable in inhibiting the growth of surrounding plants so that it has the potential as a natural herbicide to control various weeds including autoallelopathic weeds. This study aims to examine the effect of siam weed leaf extract at different concentrations on germination and initial growth of the Siam weed seed. The study used a Completely Randomized Design of one factor in the form of extract concentrations of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Germination method was carried out on petri dish and observations are carried out every 24 hours, and the treatment was stopped after 100% germination occurred at least in one petri dish. Each treatment was done with five replications — parameters measured as a percentage of germination and germination rate, initial germination including hypocotyl length, radicula length, and fresh weight. Data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and continued with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 95% confidence level. The results of this study showed that the Siam weed extract inhibited germination and initial growth of the Siam weed seed sprout, the higher concentration of the Siam weed extract the highest, inhibition of germination and initial growth of the Siam weed seed.

Ecological insights and environmental threats of invasive alien plant Chromolaena odorata: Prospects for sustainable management

“…In general, C. odorata grows in areas that are near sea level to areas >1000 m elevation, well‐drained soils, and under high light conditions (Mandal & Joshi, 2014). Also, C. odorata spreads rapidly in the areas used for forestry, agroforestry, pasture, and plantation crops like rubber, coffee, coconut, cocoa, and cashew (Ziadaturrif'ah et al, 2019). Thus, infestation of C. odorata resulted in economic loss, influenced local biodiversity, and grazing potential of herbivores (Chandrasekaran & Swamy, 2010).…”

“…Chemical and mechanical control measures have been widely practiced for weed management, although these come with a set of advantages and disadvantages (Aigbedion‐Atalor et al, 2019; Ziadaturrif'ah et al, 2019). The constraints of traditional methods pave the way to quest biocontrol methods for environment friendly control of C. odorata .…”

“…Auto-allelopathy is the phenomenon where the invasive plants show allelopathic behavior on each other that inhibit or kill their saplings or other plants of the same type (autotoxin). The roots of C. odorata produce toxic organic compounds that can inhibit their self-growth with the intricate allelopathic process (Ziadaturrif'ah et al, 2019). A study was conducted to check the efficacy of autoallelopathy of C. odorata weed extract on the germination and initial growth of their own seeds in order to assess its potential as a natural herbicide to eradicate similar weeds which are nuisance to agricultural and agroforestry ecosystems (Ziadaturrif'ah et al, 2019).…”

“…The roots of C. odorata produce toxic organic compounds that can inhibit their self-growth with the intricate allelopathic process (Ziadaturrif'ah et al, 2019). A study was conducted to check the efficacy of autoallelopathy of C. odorata weed extract on the germination and initial growth of their own seeds in order to assess its potential as a natural herbicide to eradicate similar weeds which are nuisance to agricultural and agroforestry ecosystems (Ziadaturrif'ah et al, 2019). Utilizing the potential of allelochemical compounds derived from C. odorata as herbicide to eliminate other weeds mediated through principle of allelopathy can be an eco-friendly control strategy of C. odorata (Ziadaturrif'ah et al, 2019).…”

“…Allelochemic compounds can enter into the plasma membrane and disrupt membrane permeability and the function of the H + ATPase enzyme activity, protein sulfhydryl group, absorption of ions and water, stomatal functioning, normal cell division, biomolecules synthesis, and photosynthetic activity of native plants (Li et al, 2010; Yuliyani et al, 2019; Ziadaturrif'ah et al, 2019). Further studies on biochemical or chemical basis of C. odorata invasion are necessary to elucidate their success and devise management options.…”