Unveiling the allelopathic potential of common weeds extracts for effective management of Parthenium hysterophorus

The invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus significantly threatens agricultural productivity and biodiversity. This study explored the potential of allelopathy for its control by investigating the effects of aqueous extracts (control, 30 %, 60 %, and 90 %) from ten common weed species ( Setaria viridis , Chenopodium album , Cyperus rotundus , Euphorbia helioscopia , Rumex dentatus , Carthamus tinctorius , Xanthium strumarium , Erigeron bonariensis, Phragmites australis , and Imperata cylindrica ) on its germination, growth, biomass, and pigment content. The investigation revealed that extracts applied at 60 % and 90 % concentration significantly inhibited all studied parameters (germination, shoot and root lengths, biomass, and pigment contents) compared to the control. Notably, E. bonariensis and X. strumarium exhibited the strongest germination inhibition (19 % and 17 %, respectively), while E. bonariensis and I. cylindrica effectively suppressed shoot and root growth . C. album demonstrated the most potent impact on dry biomass (0.9 g), leaf chlorophyll (0.038 mg/g FW), and leaf carotenoid content (0.014 mg/g FW). Analysis of phytochemical profiles revealed interesting variations, with C. album enriched in potentially allelopathic alkaloids and Imperata cylindrica possessing tannins . The findings of this study concludes that C. album, E. bonariensis, X. strumarium and I. cylindrica have strong allelopathic potentials that suppressed germination, shoot and root length, dry biomass and leaf pigment contents of P. hysterophorus . These findings highlight the potential of utilizing allelopathic weed extracts for P. hysterophorus control. Further research is crucial to pinpoint the specific allelopathic compounds responsible, evaluate the feasibility of field application, and explore the potential for combining these extracts with other control methods.