Effect of Aqueous Extracts of Sticky Willy (Galium aparine L.) on the Growth of Seedlings of Selected Maize Varieties (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

In the environment plants are competing for water, nutrients and light, and other components. Their competition is not only based on shading but on the allelopathic interactions as well. Sticky willy (Galium aparine L.) is a nitrophilous weed growing in thickets, crop fields and on ruderal areas. Its sticky and strongly branching stems are connecting together stalks of grain make it difficult to harvest. G. aparine wraps around plants and limits their access to the light. It may to secrete allelopathic substances to the soil. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of aqueous extracts from shoots G. aparine L. concentrations of 1, 3, and 5% on growth seedlings of Zea mays L. in two varieties: ‘Lokata’ F2, ‘Wilga’ F1 and F2. The seeds were placed on Petri dishes (100 units) and watered extracts from shoots G. aparine, and distilled water (control). The ability of seed germination was higher on extracts of concentration 1% for the variety ‘Wilga’ F1 and F2, and less for the ‘Lokata’ F2. Biometric analysis of seedling roots showed the stimulatory effect of 1% and 3% extracts, and the inhibitory for 5%. The fresh weight of maize seedlings was significantly higher on 1% extract, as compared to other and the control. The values of the dry weight of ‘Lokata’ F2 each concentration was lower in comparison to the control. The water contents in seedlings of the ‘Wilga’ F1 and ‘Lokata’ F2 varieties were significantly increased of each extracts, in comparison to control.