InvasiveArgemone mexicana’s suppressive effects onPhaseolus vulgarisandZea maysgermination and growth

Abstract

AbstractInvasiveArgemone mexicanaplant species is invading many ecosystems in East Africa. However, there have not been many studies to assess how it affects plants. In petri dishes and pot experiments, we investigated the suppressive effects ofA. mexicanaonPhaseolus vulgarisand Zea mays germination and seedling growth. To investigate its suppressive effects on the test plant, different concentrations ofA. mexicanaleaf (AmL) crude extract were applied to the seeds and seedlings ofP. vulgarisandZ. mays. At higher concentrations (70% and 100%), the findings showed that AmL crude extract concentrations reduced the germination and growth ofP. vulgarisandZ. maysseeds. Compared to seeds that germinated at lower concentrations and in the control (0%) group, fewer seeds at higher concentrations grew. Accordingly, higher concentrations, relative to lower ones and controls, retarded seed germination. Additionally, the fresh biomass, root lengths, stem diameters, and heights ofP. vulgarisseedlings were reduced under 75% and 100% AmL concentrations, which had a negative impact on their growth vigor. Although this study shows thatP. vulgarisandZ. maysgermination and growth were inhibited byA. mexicanacrude extract, field research experiments are needed to investigate the suppressive effects of this invasive weed on other plant species. Due to its detrimental impact on plant growth, the study recommends further management ofA. mexicanato protect biodiversity. It is expected that these results will be helpful in developing policies and programs for managing invasive plants while taking into account the effects on people’s livelihoods.