Effect of Morus alba L. leaf extracts on seeds germination and the seedlings growth of Sinapis alba L. and Cucumis sativus L.

Plant growth and development can be modified, including modification by chemical processes that result from neighbouring plants. If interactions in the natural environment between one plant and another are of a chemical nature, then this phenomenon is called allelopathy. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of aqueous extracts of Morus alba L., at concentrations of 3%, 5% and 10%, on the germination and growth of Sinapis alba L. (mustard) and Cucumis sativus L. (cucumber). It was found that allelopathins contained in the extracts slowed the germination of both species. The highest, 10%, extracts significantly inhibited germination. It was found that with an increase in allelopathin concentration, there was a significant inhibition of the growth of underground and above-ground plant organs. A complete lack of growth was observed for mustard plants grown from seeds watered with extracts during germination for 48 hours. Compared to the control plants, a differences in the growth of fresh and dry mass in plants watered with extracts during the germination and growth phases were found. Depending on the timing of treatment and the type of organ tested, aqueous mulberry leaf extracts at lower concentrations had a positive effect on the growth and development of the analysed species. Extracts with a higher concentration of chemical compounds had a negative impact on both mustard and cucumber.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

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