Biochemical and parasitic effects of <i>Cuscuta chinensis</i> extracts on tomato growth: a preliminary study

This study investigates the allelopathic and parasitic effects of Cuscuta chinensis on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), focusing on germination, seedling growth, and plant health. Fresh juice, aqueous, and ethanol extracts exhibited strong inhibitory effects on germination, with the aqueous extract completely suppressing it (0%) and ethanol extract nearly eliminating it (0.33% at 10 mg/mL). HPLC identified cinnamic acid, hydrocinnamic acid, and caffeic acid as key allelochemicals. C. chinensis powder reduced germination at higher concentrations (73.33%) but increased germination energy (70.00%) and promoted shoot growth and leaf development at medium concentrations. Parasitism was confirmed through in vitro and pot experiments, showing a 42% infection rate in vitro and 81% in pots. Despite significant parasitic interactions, tomato plants showed no immediate visible damage, indicating a need for further study on long-term effects.