Effect of aqueous extract of Trianthema portulacastrum on growth and physiological attributes of a potential weed, wild onion (Asphodelus tenuifolius)

Abstract

Weeds are the earliest and most severe limiting issue in crop production. Among weed control methods, the chemical method is a commonly used one, which provides better control of weeds, but induces resistance in weeds. To overcome these issues, allelopathy is the most effective and biocontrol method that is used for controlling weeds. This study was conducted to determine the allelopathic potential of Trianthema portulacastrum on the growth of the wild onion (Asphodelus tenuifolius) by the application of shoot and root aqueous extracts along with a synthetic herbicide. Different morphological, anatomical, and physiological traits were calculated. The results showed that the extracts of the shoot and root of T. portulacastrum significantly depressed all morphological and physiological parameters, except for total soluble sugars, total soluble proteins, CAT, proline, and potassium ions. Anatomical parameters, such as adaxial stomatal density, were significantly decreased in the extract treatment as in the synthetic herbicide treatment. The extract of allelochemical intervention in physiological processes caused growth reduction in wild onion. Overall, the shoot extract in combination with the synthetic herbicide showed the inhibitory action. The shoot extract of Trianthema portulacastrum could be used as a bio-herbicide to control the wild onion weed.