Abstract
Background
Field dodder is a parasitic plant that has long been a concern in agriculture and natural ecosystems and a difficult plant to control.
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the allelopathic effect of four species of cruciferous plants on germination parameters of field dodder seeds and to determine the isothiocyanate compounds in these plants.
Methods
The experiment was implemented in two trails during 2020 and 2021 using a completely randomized design. Cruciferous plant extracts were prepared at concentrations of 2%, 6%, 10%, and 20%. For each petri dish populated with field dodder seeds 5 ml of cruciferous plant extract was added based on the experiment design while 5 ml of distilled water was added to control plots. The germination indicators were monitored, and the samples of cruciferous plants were prepared to determine their contents of ITCs.
Results
The effect of extracts on germination indicators was weak at concentrations of 2 and 6%. The effect increased when the concentration increased to 10%. At a 20% concentration of turnip extract, field dodder seed germination decreased significantly to 2.1%. Arugula, broccoli, and black radish extracts at 20% concentration had germination percentages ranging from 9.6% to 12.5%. Other indicators significantly decreased compared to the control plots. GC-MS analysis showed the highest ITC compounds percentage in turnip (56.6%) and the lowest in black radish (29.2%).
Conclusions
Cruciferous plants can be used as an alternative control method against field dodder by mixing these plants into the soil to reduce the soil’s stock of field dodder seeds.
Field dodder; Isothiocyanate; Allelopathic; Germination indicators; Cruciferous plants; GC-MS