ALLELOPATHIC IMPACT OF CROTALARIA JUNCEA EXTRACTS ON GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF LACTUCA SATIVA: COMPARISON BETWEEN FRESH AND DRIED PLANT MATERIAL EXTRACTS

Abstract

Spontaneous plants can reduce agricultural productivity by competing with crops for resources and serving as hosts for pests and diseases. The intensive use of herbicides to control spontaneous plants has led to resistance and phytotoxicity, which affects health and the ecosystem. This study evaluated the allelopathic effect of Crotalaria juncea extracts (fresh and dry, at different concentrations) on the germination of lettuce seeds (Lactuca sativa L.). The results indicated that moderate extract concentrations promote normal seedling growth, while higher concentrations cause an increase in abnormal seedlings and a reduction in overall quality. The form of the plant material and the extract concentration were significant factors in influencing germination and seedling development.