Inhibitory effects of aqueous extracts of black mustard on germination and growth of alfalfa

The present study investigated the allelopathic effects of various black mustard ( Brassica nigra L.) plant parts on alfalfa germination and seedling growth. Aqueous extracts of black mustard ( Brassica nigra L.) leaf, stem, flower and root plant parts were made to determine their effects on germination and dry weights of hypocotyl, and radicle length of 5-day-old alfalfa seedlings over a range of extract concentrations. All aqueous extracts significantly inhibited alfalfa seed germination and seedling growth when compared with the distilled water control. Increasing the aqueous extract concentrations of separated Brassica nigra plant parts significantly inhibited alfalfa germination, seedling length and weight. Based on significant radicle length reactions to aqueous extracts, the toxicity may be classified in the following order of decreasing inhibition: flower, leaf, mixture of all plant parts, root, and stem. Increasing the concentration of aqueous flower extracts significantly inhibited the water uptake by germinated alfalfa seeds. The greatest inhibition in water uptake occurred at a 12 g kg^?1 extract concentration for seeds soaked for 8 h.