Analysis Of The Effect of Allelopathic Compounds Extracted From Zea Mays L. On The Growth and Development of Triticum Aestivum L. and Their Impact on Soil Properties

This study was carried out in the laboratories of the College of Education for Girls at the University of Kufa. Its primary aim was to assess the biological activity of aqueous extracts derived from Zea mays residues on the germination and growth of Triticum aestivum. In addition, the study investigated whether the allelochemicals present in these extracts contribute to the reduced productivity observed when Triticum aestivum is planted following the harvest of Zea mays in the same field. The results demonstrated that the residues of Zea mays led to a significant decline in the vegetative growth of Triticum aestivum. Specifically, the aqueous extracts not only reduced the germination rate of Triticum aestivum seeds but also inhibited the subsequent development of its seedlings. Moreover, the toxicity of the residues, once incorporated into the soil, became noticeable after two weeks of decomposition, reached its maximum impact at six weeks, and then gradually diminished. These findings suggest that the allelochemicals released from Zea mays residues play a substantial role in limiting the growth and development of Triticum aestivum.