Allelopathic potential of sorghum bicolor at different phenological stages

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the allelopathic potential of the aqueous extract of the shoot of Sorghum bicolor at different phenological stages on seed germination and initial growth of kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) seedlings, which is considered a bioindicator species. The experiment was carried out at five development stages of S. bicolor (40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 days after emergence), which was used as aqueous extract at six concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%) applied in four replications per treatment in 10 or 50 kale seeds per plot. The percentage of germination, germination rate index, root growth, shoot length, and dry matter of kale seedlings were analyzed in the presence of this extract on different days of collection and concentrations. The aqueous extract of S. bicolor presented an allelopathic effect on germination and initial growth of kale seeds, with a higher inhibitory effect when more concentrated extracts from pre-flowering plants were used, which corresponds to 60 days after emergence. Thus, this stage should be recommended in the use of S. bicolor straw to help in controlling weeds.