Saffron effect on Amaranthus retroflexus

摘要

In laboratory assay, the allelopathic effect of saffron plant parts was evaluated on seed germination and seedlings growth of Amaranthus retroflexus. Effects of aqueous extracts of corm, leaf and soil attached to corm (SAC) of different plant ages of 2,4, 8 and 10 years old were studied on Amaranthus retroflexus seed germination and seedling growth in Petri dish bioassays at 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0% (v/v)concentrations. Saffron plant extracts inhibited the seed germination of lest plant. Corm extract was most inhibitory to germination. S percent concentration had highest inhibitory influence on radicle and plumule lengths compared to control. Plumule and radicle lengths decreased significantly by plant age. Extract of saffron parts and SAC vs. concentration decreased plumule length. Extract concentration vs. plant age reduced plumule and radicle lengths significantly.Highest inhibition in plumule length was noted with saffron corm and radicle length with SAC treatment. Water extract of 5% concentration and plant age of 10 years old were more harmful to amaranthus retroflexus germination, plumule and redicle lengths. Our results suggested that soil biotic and/or abiotic factors regulated the biological activity of saffron plant pans residues. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to elucidate the allelochemicals involved.