Pistacia Root and Leaf Extracts as Potential Bioherbicides

Abstract

The allelopathic effect of pistachios was analyzed by field and laboratory tests. The parameters analyzed in the field trials were the biomass, weed density, weed diversity, and specific richness of the weed community. The studies were carried out in the area under the canopy and in the area beyond the influence of the pistachio tree, and the results obtained were compared. In the laboratory, germination bioassays were carried out on seeds of 11 weed species in root water extract, rhizosphere soil, and leaf water extract. The germination percentage, radicle elongation, epicotyl elongation, and germination index were determined. The results obtained show that significantly less biomass was present in the area under the influence of the trees, and fewer different weed species were detected in that area. In addition, germination bioassays showed that the aqueous leaf extract was a potent inhibitor of germination. The total content of flavonoids and phenols according to the organs (roots or leaves) was also studied. Extracts obtained from leaves showed higher concentrations of total phenols and also of flavones and flavanols than roots. Gallic acid, catechin, myricetin, and quercetin were identified in extracts obtained from both leaves and roots, while naringenin and rutin were identified only in the leaf extract. The presence of phenolic compounds in which allelopathic activity has been previously described and the results obtained in the trials seem to indicate that there is an allelopathic effect of the leaf extract, which could be used for weed control, thus facilitating ecological and/or sustainable management.