Allelopathic effect of field mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.) on germination and growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

This study investigated the allelopathic effects of various Sinapis arvensis L. (field mustard) plant parts on Triticum aestivum L. (wheat) germination and seedling growth. Aqueous extracts of S. arvensis leaf and stem plant part were made to determine their effects on germination and dry weights of hypocotyl and radicle length of 7-day old T. aestivum seedlings over a range of aqueous extraction at 1.25, 2.5, 3.75 and 5%. Increasing the aqueous extract concentrations of separated S. arvensis, plant parts significantly inhibited T. aestivum germination, seedling length and weight. Radicle length was more sensitive to extract source than seed germination or hypocotyls length. Based on 7-day old T. aestivum plant radicle length growth, averaged across all extract concentrations, the degree of toxicity of different S. arvensis plant parts was leaf > stem.