Mulberry leaf water extract inhibits bermudagrass and promotes wheat growth

Abstract

Allelopathy has the potential to tackle the concerns associated with the indiscriminate use of synthetic herbicides. In search of a natural herbicide, the effects of mulberry (Morus alba) leaf water extracts on bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) were investigated. Four concentrations of extract (25, 50, 75, and 100%) were compared with a control (distilled water). The results revealed that the pregermination application of 100% mulberry leaf water extract resulted in the complete inhibition of bermudagrass and wheat germination. However, postemergence, two foliar sprays suppressed only the growth of bermudagrass and promoted wheat growth. The effect of the mulberry leaf water extract was concentration dependent. It is evident that the postemergence application of mulberry leaf water extract has the scope for use as natural herbicide for the control of bermudagrass and to promote the growth and yield of wheat. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Weed Science Society of Japan.