Effect of aqueous sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) extract on weed germination and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) growth

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Plant Production and Genetics, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

2 Hamedan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO), Hamedan

10.22034/plant.2026.144773.1177

Abstract

Introduction: Weeds are considered undesirable and harmful plants that adversely affect the growth of cultivated crops. By reducing crop productivity, weeds significantly decrease both the quantity and quality of agricultural products in farming systems, ultimately causing substantial economic losses for farmers. Allelopathy is an ecological phenomenon involving the production and release of biologically active compounds by certain crops, cultivated plants, and microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi into the soil rhizosphere, thereby influencing the growth and development of neighboring organisms. Sorghum possesses pronounced allelopathic properties, enabling it to produce and release a wide range of phytotoxic compounds from its root hairs, stems, and grains. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is a well-known allelopathic crop with a strong potential to suppress weed growth, primarily due to the synthesis and release of the allelochemical sorgoleone.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of aqueous Sorghum bicolor extract on seed germination, seedling growth, and fresh and dry biomass of two weed species, lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.) and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), as well as the crop plant peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Treatments consisted of seven extract concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 g L⁻¹), which were applied to all three plant species. The traits studied included germination percentage, germination rate, average germination time, fresh and dry weight, and seedling length of both weeds and peanuts.
Results: The results demonstrated that increasing concentrations of sorghum aqueous extract significantly reduced the germination percentage of the weed species, with germination being almost completely inhibited at concentrations of 200–300 g L⁻¹. In contrast, peanut exhibited relatively high tolerance to the extract, showing only slight reductions in germination percentage and germination rate even at the highest concentrations. The average germination time of the weed species was either shortened or irregularly affected by the treatments, whereas a slight increase in mean germination time was observed in peanut, indicating a minor delay in germination. Seedling growth responses varied among species; seedling length as well as fresh and dry biomass of the weed species were markedly reduced, while peanut seedlings showed only moderate reductions at higher extract concentrations. The ED50 values further confirmed the greater sensitivity of the weed species compared with peanut.
Conclusion: Overall, these findings indicate that aqueous Sorghum bicolor extract can serve as an effective natural inhibitor of weed growth while exerting limited adverse effects on the crop, highlighting its potential application in biological weed management strategies and in reducing reliance on chemical herbicides.

Keywords

References

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Plant Production and Genetics
Volume 6, Issue 2 - Serial Number 10
February 2026
Pages 271-286

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