Phytotoxicity of Euphorbia helioscopia L. on Triticum aestivum L. and Pisum sativum L.

Invasive field weeds, such as Euphorbia sp., represent main threat for crop productivity. The present work was conducted to evaluate the phytotoxicity of Euphorbia helioscopia on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.). The influence of aqueous extract from shoot of E. helioscopia, at different rates (1.0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10.0%; w/v), on germination and early seedling growth of wheat and pea as well as some of the synchronized physiological aspects was investigated. E. helioscopia aqueous extract severely affected the germination in a concentration dependent manner. Plumule and radicle length, as well as their fresh and dry masses were markedly reduced. Moreover, amylase activity and total soluble sugars were significantly reduced in response to treatment with aqueous Euphorbia extract, in both test plants, whereas, proteolytic activity showed marked improvement.

Website: http://www.arjonline.org/agricultural-sciences/american-research-journal-of-agriculture/