Do Aqueous Extracts from Buckwheat Compromise Seed Germination and Initial Development of <i>Bidens pilosa</i> and <i>Euphorbia heterophylla</i>?

Abstract

Fagopyrum esculentum Moench (buckwheat) is a dicot species from the Polygonaceae family used as a cover crop in agricultural systems featured with a remarkable allelopathic potential for weed control, helping herbicide-resistance management and promoting substantial reductions in herbicide applications. The aim of this research was to examine the allelopathic potential of aqueous extracts from seeds and aerial part of buckwheat on seed germination and initial development of Bidens pilosa and Euphorbia heterophylla . Bioassay experiments were conducted under a completely randomized experimental design with four replications, containing 50 seeds each. Both weed seed species were harvested in a soybean field, and seed viability was previously assessed. Seeds were exposed to four concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 100%) from extracts of seeds (ES) and aerial part (EAP) of buckwheat. Germination speed index (GSI) in B. pilosa and E. heterophylla was daily evaluated throughout 14 and 16 days, respectively, whereas percentage of germination, abnormal seedlings, as well as non-germinated seeds, root (RL) and aerial part length (APL), and total dry matter (TDM) were rated at final germination test. EAP reduced the GSI, especially under the 100% concentration. Germination percentage was lower and abnormal seedlings increased for both weed species when seeds were exposed to EAP concentrations greater than 25%. However, ES did not impinge upon E. heterophylla germination. EAP and ES reduced the APL, RL, and TDM for concentrations greater than 50%, except for ES which did not affect E. heterophylla development. Both extracts from buckwheat have a high capacity to inhibit germination and compromise seedling development, culminating in such a potential alternative for B. pilosa and E. heterophylla management in agricultural systems.