The Allelopathic Effects of Aqueous Extracts from Vachellia nilotica  On the Germination and development of Citrullus lanatus L

Mohamed Bogelil Bogelil; Mohamed Ali A Salim Salim

doi:10.54172/53z2y290

Authors

Mohamed Bogelil Author
Mohamed Ali A Salim Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54172/53z2y290

Keywords:

Allelopathy; plumule and radicle length; Sustainable Agriculture; acacia tree.

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the allelopathic effect of leaf extracts from the thorny acacia tree (Vachellia nilotica) on the germination and seedling growth of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L). The experiment was conducted using three different concentrations of the aqueous extract of acacia leaves extract which are (0%, 20%, 40%, or 60%), in addition to a control group treated with distilled water. The effects of these extracts were assessed by measuring the parameters of Germination percentage, plumule and radicle length, seedling dry weight, and imbibition percentage. The results showed that the extracts at 40% and 60% concentrations enhanced the imbibition percentage compared to the control group, while for these concentrations (20%, and 60%) has no significant effect on the germination rate. Lower concentrations (20% and 40%) significantly stimulated plumule growth, whereas the highest concentration (60%) resulted in a reduction in plumule and radicle length. Moreover, the 60% concentration exhibited an inhibitory effect on radicle root growth, suggesting that the plant extracts may contain allelopathic compounds that influence seedling development. These findings confirm that the allelopathic effect of V. nilotica extracts is concentration-dependent (what are the allelopathic active compounds of V. nilotica), with a stimulatory effect at low doses and an inhibitory effect at higher doses. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms of allelopathic influence and its potential applications in mixed agricultural systems.

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