Methanol extract potential of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) for wheat growth enhancement

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the allelopathic potential of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) methanol extract at different concentrations (75, 150, 300 and 600 ppm) on the growth and some physiological processes of wheat (Triticum vulgare L. var. Sides 1). The pot experiment was processed during the winter season from November, 2008 to April, 2009, in the greenhouse of, Botany Department, Beni-Suef University. The irrigation of wheat grains with low methanol extract concentrations (75, 150 and 300 ppm) had stimulatory effects on lengths and dry weights of both root and shoot compared with the control. In the same way, the contents of chlorophyll, carbohydrate, protein and phenolic compounds were enhanced. Antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, phenoloxidase and suberoxide dismutaze) activities were gradually stimulated while a gradual suppression in lipid peroxidation and H 2O 2 content was recorded reaching the highest values at 300 ppm. On the other hand, the treatment with the highest concentration (600 ppm) slightly inhibited all the measured parameters except lipid peroxidation and H 2O 2 contents. HPLC analyses of phenolic compounds in the field bindweed methanol extract revealed the abundance of p-coumaric and p-hydroxybenzoic acids, while both resorcinol and cinnamic acids were found in traces. The present results indicated the stimulatory potential of lower methanol extracts concentrations that could be used as a bio-fertilizer. © 2010 Asian Network for Scientific Information.