Allelopathic effect of some weeds on germination of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seeds Marul (Lactuca sativa L.) tohumlarının çimlenmesi üzerinde bazı yabancı otların allelopatik etkisi
Plant Protection Bulletin (Turkey), vol.66, no.1, pp.17-25, 2026 (Scopus, TRDizin)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 66 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.16955/bitkorb.1671101
- Journal Name: Plant Protection Bulletin (Turkey)
- Journal Indexes: Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Page Numbers: pp.17-25
- Keywords: Allelochemicals, Amaranthus retroflexus, Diplotaxis tenuifolia, extracts, Lactuca sativa, Sinapis arvensis
- Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
- Uşak University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Weeds can affect the reproductive success and survival of cultivated plants through both direct and indirect mechanisms. Among these, allelopathy, mediated by allelochemicals released from plants, is a key indirect factor influencing seed germination. This study aimed to evaluate the allelopathic effects of three common weed species (Amaranthus retroflexus L., Sinapis arvensis L. and Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC) on the germination and early growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seeds. Aqueous extracts were prepared by soaking 10 grams of powdered plant material in 100 mL of distilled water for 24 hours (10% w/v). This stock extract was considered as 100%, and diluted to 50%, 25%, and 12.5% concentrations. These extracts (6 mL per Petri dish) were applied to 10 lettuce seeds and incubated at 18°C for 6 days under controlled conditions. The evidence clearly indicates that D. tenuifolia and S. arvensis were more aggressive than A. retroflexus in inhibiting lettuce germination and early growth. The distinction makes the point that not all weed species are equal in their capacity to exert allelopathic pressure, and such distinctions are valuable for understanding when pursuing alternative weed management strategies that are less reliant on synthetic herbicides.