Allelopathic activity of the leaf powder of Ficus nitida on the growth and yield of Vicia faba and associated weeds

Abstract

Abstract Background Faba bean weeds are considered as serious pests that lead to pronounced damages to its agricultural production since they consume water and nutrients from the soil, reducing not only the yield but also the quality of the crops. So, the aim of this investigation is to control the weeds associated with faba bean plants. Materials/methods Two pot experiments were carried out during two successive winter seasons of 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 in the greenhouse of the National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. Treatments were applied by incorporating the dry leaf powder of Ficus nitida to the soil surface of pots at the rate of (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 g/kg soil). Results All concentrations used pronouncedly decreased the fresh and dry weight of both Phalaris minor and Malva parviflora. On the other hand, Vicia faba growth as well as its yield and yield components were increased with most concentrations used as compared to their mixed controls. Treatments of 20, 30, and 40 g/kg soil, from F. nitida leaf powder, respectively recorded the highest increases in the most growth characters of V. faba with both weeds (P. minor and M. parviflora) at the two growth ages when compared to the healthy control. Also, the best results in all V. faba yield components were recorded with 20 g/kg soil of F. nitida treatment. Conclusion The results of the present study indicate the possibility of using the allelopathic activity of the leaf powder of Ficus nitida as a selective bioherbicide for controlling annual weeds accompanied Vicia faba plants.

Keywords

• Allelopathy
• Ficus nitida
• Vicia faba
• Phalaris minor
• Malva parviflora
• Phenolic content