ALLELOPATHIC EFFECT OF Esenbeckia leiocarpa Engl. ON THE GERMINATION OF Amaranthus hybridus L., Bidens pilosa, AND Digitaria insularis (L.) Fedde

Abstract

The excessive use of herbicides poses a significant risk to the environment and human health, in addition to promoting the selection of weed species that are tolerant or resistant to these compounds. In this context, allelopathy presents itself as a promising alternative for the control of these plants. Allelopathy is the phenomenon that occurs in plant communities, in which certain species release chemical substances into the environment, inhibiting the germination of seeds of other species and interfering with the growth of other plants. In Brazil, Eucalyptus citriodora Hook. and Esenbeckia leiocarpa Engl. are considered plants with great allelopathic potential. Recent studies suggest that the aqueous extract of these plants can be used as a bioherbicide to control weeds. Therefore, the objective of this research is to evaluate the allelopathic potential of aqueous extracts of E. citriodora and E. leiocarpa at different concentrations on the germination and development of weeds Amaranthus hybridus L. and Digitaria insularis F. as an alternative to the use of chemical herbicides. The experimental design will consist of a 7 x 2 factorial arrangement for each weed species studied, with seven different concentrations of aerial part extract and two tree species for the formulation of aqueous extracts, with four replications. The seeds will be sown in Petri dishes with filter paper and different concentrations of extract, and the germination and development of weeds will be evaluated in a germination chamber. PEG 6000 will be used to evaluate the osmotic effect and validate the results obtained.