Allelopathic potential of aqueous extracts of cover crops on the germination and development of Bidens pilosa

The objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of cover crops extracts on growth and development of Bidens pilosa. The experimental design was completely randomized in factorial scheme 4 x 3 x 5 with four replications. The factor A was composed by cover crops (Brassica napus; Raphanus sativus; Trifolium vesiculosum; Lolium multiflorum), B was parts plants (whole plant, shoot and root system) and C extracts concentrations (0; 1, 2.5, 5 and 10% weight / volume). Variables evaluated were: speed of germination; germination percentage; length and dry matter of shoot and root. Extracts of Brassica napus followed by extracts of Trifolium vesiculosum, in general, had more allelopathic potential. The shoots of the cover crops, presented in general larger allelopathic activity. Allelopathic activity on germination and development of Bidens pilosa increases with the increment of extracts concentration, of differents plants parts. The speed germination is the best indicator of allelopathic activity of cover crops on Bidens pilosa.