Allelopathic effects of water-soluble leaf epicuticular material from Dittrichia viscosa on seed germination of crops and weeds

The effects of Diurichia viscosa epicuticular. water soluble allelochemicals on seed germination and early radicle growth were studied on 16 plant species 1(a) crops: Helianthus annuus, Hordeum vulgare, Lens culinaris, Lycopersicum esculentum, Phaseolus vulgaris. Zen mays. (b) weeds: Amarmuhus retroferus, Avena sterilis, Chenopodium album. Papaver rhoeas, Portulaca oberacea and (c) ruderal/wild species: Hirsfeldia incana, Micromeria graeca, Nigela damascena, Psoralen bituminosa. Sanguisorba minor]. growing in same habitat with donor plants. The allelochemicals, inhibited the germination rate. final germination (%) and radide growth in 14 plant spp. except Phaseolus vnlgaris and Psoralea bituminosa. The weeds were very sensitive but some cultivated species were more resistant. these species-specific differences could be attributed to target recipient seed size. small seeds being more sensitive. The use of D. viscosa allelochemicals as selective herbicides for weed management may be promising.