Aloe vera Leaf Gel Extract as a Natural Tool for Sustainable Weed Management: Effects on Germination and Early Growth

This research was carried out to assess the allelopathic activity (Aloe vera) aqueous leaf gel extracts on seed germination and some seedling growth parameters of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) and black mustard (Brassica nigra). The aqueous extract was added by five concentration levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) to 20 crops and weed seeds species in sterilized petri dish for 10 days at 22°C. The experiment as arranged out completely randomized design. High performance liquid chromatography was used to quantify and determine bioactive compound in the leaf gel. The findings showed that increasing concentrations from 5% to 20 % of aqueous extracts of Aloe vera leaf gel significantly reduced seed germination, germination speed, (radical, plumule, and seedling length) and (radicle, plumule and seedling dry weight) of all plant species. Whereas, according to the results increasing concentration levels from 5% to 20 % significantly increased inhibition of seed germination percentage, radicle, plumule and seedling growth inhibition. The outcomes revealed that the effects were concentration dependent. Some phenolic compounds such as Palmitic acid, Folic acid, linoleic, Stearic acid, Lauric acid and Myristic acid were profiled in Aloe vera leaf gel's aqueous extract by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The study's outcomes suggest that Aloe vera leaf gel's aqueous extract could perform as bioherbicide for managing some weeds and supporting sustainable agriculture practices thereby reducing reliance on chemical herbicide.