Allelopathic potential of sugar sorghum (sorghum bicolor (l.) moench) seeds

Abstract

Allelopathic effect of water extracts of crushed sweet sorghum seeds of hybrids 'Medovyi' and 'Dovista' and variety 'Sylosne 42' and their effect on sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) seeds germination of hybrid 'Ukrainian MS 97' is presented. Water extracts of various concentrations (from 5 to 50 %) were prepared. The results were compared with the control treatment (distilled water). To estimate the growth rate of plants, the number of buds and leaves, plant height and the general condition of plants were examined. In regard to the chemical interaction of crops in mixed cropping, it was found that water extracts from sorghum seeds have a significant amount of allelopathically active substances revealing both phytotoxic and stimulating effects on the germination and germination vigour of sugar beet seeds. The water extracts of 'Medovyi' seeds showed the lowest allelopathic effect compared to other cultivars under study. Water extract of 'Sylosne 42' appeared relatively tolerant to germination of sugar beet seeds. The extract of 'Medovyi' seeds was filtered and added into the agar medium on which the clones of Beta vulgaris L. were planted. Allelopathically active substances did not affect sugar beet plants on the 7th day after planting. A decrease in the number of buds, leaves and plant height was recorded on the 14th day. On the 21st day, sugar beet plants looked suppressed and eventually died off. Understanding of physical and biochemical mechanisms of plants interaction allows selecting physiologically compatible plants for high-productive phytocoenoses.