Sunflower dried stalk extract: A natural Preemergence herbicide: Effect on crops and weeds seed germination

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to study the effect of sunflower dried stalk solution on germination of crop and weed seeds under various concentrations. Four rates of sunflower dried stalk solution on weight by volume basis such as 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1 kg in 10 liters of water were taken and sprayed into the pots with 20 cm diameter and a control was also maintained. Seeds of five crops and six weeds were sown. Germination percentage and dry weight of crops and weeds were recorded for each pot. Sunflower dried stalk solution with 1:10 w/v basis reduced mean germination by 9.4% for Abutilon indicum, 8.4% for Parthenium hysteroporus,7.2% for Amaranhus viridis,9.0% for Trianthema portulacastrum,11.9% for Cynodon dactylon,10.1% for Cyperus rotundus,7.9% for Maize,9.1% for Blackgram,7.6% for Greengram,6.9% for Cowpea, and 8.9% for Pearl millet, compared with the control. The dry weight of crops and weed seeds was also reduced with Sunflower dried stalk solution with 1:10 w/v dose and so direct seeding of these vegetables into soil into which Sunflower dried stalk solution has been incorporated is not advisable. Using transplants may be an alternative that takes advantage of the herbicidal effects of Sunflower dried stalk solution and thus prevents the weed emergence.