Allelopathic potential of Artemisia absinthium L. on seed germination and seedling growth of various plant species

In plant-plant interactions, the emission of secondary metabolites can have significant effects, potentially serving as a tool for weed management. The study of plant-derived substances offers an environmental alternative to traditional production processes. The aim of the research was to evaluate the allelopathic potential of the aqueous extract of Artemisia absinthium L. on the germination of seeds of five species: Calendula officinalis L., Taraxacum officinale L., Bidens pilosa L., Senecio vulgaris L., and Brassica juncea L. The experiment involved a factorial design with five species, five extract concentrations and five replicates, for a total of 125 experimental units (EU). The aqueous extract of A. absinthium was prepared from dried foliage at a concentration of 1/50 (w/v) and applied in varying proportions (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) according to the respective treatments. In each EU, 20 seeds of the corresponding species were placed and grown under controlled conditions for 21 d, during which germination was monitored. The results indicate that A. absinthium has significant potential as an inhibitor of seed germination and seedling growth in T. officinale and B. pilosa. In S. vulgaris and B. juncea, the response was highly dose-dependent. In C. officinalis, no inhibition was observed in the evaluated parameters. The results indicate that A. absinthium extract offers a sustainable alternative to weed management.