Phytotoxicity of plantago major extracts on germination and seedling growth of purslane (Portulecaolerceus)

Abstract

Plantago major L. (Plantaginaceae family) have been used as herbal remedies for centuries in almost all over the world and in the treatment of a number diseases. This study aims to assess the allelopathic potential of Plantago major extracts on the germination and early seedling growth of purslane. Total phenols, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and alkaloids were determined in P. major. Furthermore, concentrations of 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg.ml-1 of both alcoholic and aqueous extracts were prepared to study their phytotoxic effect on the germination and seedling growth of Portuleca olerceus weed. In our study, showing the germination of P. olerceus was completely inhibited (96.30 mg.ml-1) under treatment of P. major methanolic extracts at 40 mg ml-1. Moreover, both radicle and plumule were strongly inhibited (87.20 and 74.29 mg.ml-1, respectively) under the same treatment. This could be attributed to the high content of bioactive constituents. Therefore, this species can be used in the method of biological control of weeds. In addition, further studies are required to identify and characterize the proper allelochemicals and demonstrate their modes of action.