Allelopathic Effects of Spurge (Euphorbia hierosolymitana) on Wheat (Triticum durum)

Abstract

2 Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate the allelopathic potential effect of Euphorbia hierosolymitana in wheat (Triticum durum local var. Hourani 27), in both laboratory and glasshouse. Since E. hierosolymitana is a common weed in filed crops and orchards in Jordan. The effects aqueous leachate of E. hierosolymitana on germination, seedling growth, total chlorophyll and protein contents of wheat were examined. Higher c oncentration of aqueous leachate of E. hierosolymitana reduced the germination rate. On the other hand, the radicle and coleoptile length of the germinated seeds of wheat were significantly inhibited by the leachate. Also, the aqueous leaf leachate of E. hierosolymitana was found to inhibit significantly the growth of wheat seedlings. Allelochemicals caused significant reduction in decreased root and shoot length, fresh, dry weights and decreased the amount of total chlorophyll and protein contents.