Allelopathic effects of Ziziphus spina- christi L. (Wild) Leaf extracts on germination and seedling growth of some plant species

Abstract

Background and objectives: plants have several direct or indirect effects on other surrounding plants in
which it may be harmful or beneficial.
Methods: in this study the potential allopathic effects of Ziziphus spina-christi (Sidr) leaf extracts were
investigated alongside wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), cress (Lepidium
sativum L.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.).Different concentrations (0%, 2.5%, 5.0%,
7.5%, and 10%) of sidr aqueous and methanolic extracts (70% methanol) were used in vitro and their
effect on germination and seedling growth.
Results: This experiment showed a significant inhibitory effect of both extracts on seed germination at all
concentrations and it became more effective as the concentration rises, as a result, sidr leaf extracts may
demonstrate the use of this species as an herbicide and provide significant agricultural success.