Plants in vegetative state, such as wheat or oat used in soybean crops, may produce and release allellopathic substances through their roots, affecting weed species, complemented by the effects produced by straw. Experiments were carried out under laboratory conditions to determine the effects of aconitic acid on weed species such as wild poinsettia (Euphorbia heterophylla), morningglory (Ipomoea grandifolia), prickly sida (Sida rhombifolia) and beggarticks (Bidens pilosa) originated from different locations in the state of Paraná. Experiments consisted of treatments with and without AA 2,5 mM L-1 . Morningglory received a pre-treatment with sulfuric acid. The weed species seeds were sterilized externally using sodium hypochloride solution at 2% during two minutes and then rinsed. In an aseptic hood, in a gerbox containing agar medium, 50 seeds/container were placed on the surface. Experiments were arranged in a completely randomized design, with four replications, placed in a germination chamber. Seed origin influenced the results obtained. In general, seed germination was affected by aconitic acid in most locations. Growth reduction of seedlings was observed, with the roots being more affected than the stems, in all the species. Aconitic acid presents allellopathic effects on different weed species, depending on their place of origin, stimulating the growth of several endophytic fungi. Aconitic acid effects may result in reduction of the survival period of the seedbanks in soil.
allelopathy; endophytic fungi; seedbank; population dynamics
