EFFECT OF SILYBUM MARIANUM (L.) GAERTN. ON GERMINATION, EARLY GROWTH AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE OF ZEA MAYS L.

In our experiment, the effect of water extract of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. on germination and early growth of Zea mays L. was examined in laboratory circumstances. The examined concentrations (m/v%), originated from dried S. marianum water extract were the following: 1%, 5%, 7.5% and 10%. The fresh and dry weight of maize, the length of coleoptile and radicle and the nutrient element contents were measured. The results demonstrate that the 1% milk thistle water extract treatment has a significant positive effect on all of the measured parameters of maize In the case of higher concentrations, the fresh and dry weight of coleoptile significantly decreased compared to the control. The same tendency can be observed for the radicle. N, K, Ca, Mg and Zn concentration of radicle and K, Ca and Zn concentration of coleoptile increased when maize was treated with milk thistle extract, at all kind of concentration levels. The Cu and Fe content of maize seedlings decreased at all applied concentrations. Our results demonstrate the importance of S. marianum's appearance in field because it has very strong allelopathic effects. Further examination is needed to determine if the remaining plant residues have an effect on germination and growth of crops.