Determination of allelopathic and autotoxic effects of root and stem extracts of some safflower (Carthamus tinctorius l.) varieties

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the allelopathic effects of stem and root extracts with different doses (Control, 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 g L-1) of some safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cultivars (Asol, Balcı, Linas and Olas) on germination and seedling growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) and autotoxic effects on safflower. Germination percentage (%), mean germination time (day), root and shoot length (cm), seedling fresh and dry weight (g plant-1) and dry matter (%) were investigated. Electrical conductivity (EC) and pH values of the prepared solutions were also measured. The results showed that higher EC and lower pH values in stem solution were determined. There was no significant decrease or increase in germination percentage and speed in the plants with respect to safflower cultivars, plant parts and doses. Allelopathic and autotoxic effects of safflower were resulted from the stems, while no significant effect of root solution was found the investigated plants. It was determined that allelopathic effects of the safflower cultivars were different and the least toxicity was detected in Asol. It was concluded that safflower stems had allelopathic effect on seedling growth of wheat and barley plants, Asol and Linas had less hazardous effect than other cultivars. © 2020, Centenary University. All rights reserved.