Abstract

Allelopathic effects of roots, stems, leaves and flowers extracts of Tunisian Chrysanthoglossum trifurcatum (Desf.) on seed germination, seedling growth and dry weight of Phalaris canariensis L. were studied. The results also indicate that the all extracts inhibited the germination and the shoot and root growth of P. canariensis seedlings. The inhibition percentage increases with increasing extract concentration. At 4 mg ml-1, the ethyl acetate flowers extract reduced the germination of the canary grass seeds, the shoot and root growth by 100.0%. The observed allelopathic activity of the extracts was attributed to the presence of the allelopathic phytochemicals in C. trifurcatum organs. Thus, the C. trifurcatum extracts may be used as a natural herbicide.