Influence of allelopathic potential of pomegranate peel extracts on germination and growth of some plant species

The study was carried out at the College of Agricultural Engineering Science at Salahaddin University. The purpose of this study was to investigate the allelopathic effects of aqueous extracts of pomegranate peels (Punica granatum), on seed germination and some growth parameters of barley and wild barley. The study was organized for completely randomized design. In this experiment, the concentration levels of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% were used. During the 10-day incubation phase at 22 °C, the experiment was conducted on a sterile Petri dish. The findings showed that the higher concentrations 15 and 20 % of aqueous extracts of pomegranate peels significantly reduced seed germination of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and Wild Barley (Hordeum spontaneum L.). Also, according to the results pomegranate aqueous extract at all concentration levels (5%,10%, 15% and 20 %) significantly reduced germination percentage. The germination percentage reduced from 90 % at control treatment to 20 % at concentration level 20%. Simultaneously, the inhibition of germination increases with the increase of concentrations. Other growth parameters such as plumule, radicle and seedling length were significantly inhibited by the application of aqueous extracts of pomegranate peels. Some phenolic compounds such as Galic acid, Quercetin flavonoid, Thiamine Ascorbic acid Quercetin and Oleic Acid were profiled in pomegranate peel by using Gas Chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results of this study imply that using aqueous extracts of pomegranate peels as a bio-herbicide to inhibit weed growth and seed germination can be advised. By applying these extracts, farmers can potentially reduce the reliance on chemical herbicides, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.