Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.33765/thate.16.1.3
Published in: Holistic Approach Environ. 16(2026) 1, pp. 27 – 35
Paper reference number: HAE-2535
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ALLELOPATHIC POTENTIAL OF BIRTHWORT (Aristolochia clematitis L.) EXTRACTS ON CROPS AND WEEDS

Marija Ravlić*, Renata Baličević*, Jelena Ravlić*, Brankica Svitlica*

* Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Osijek, Croatia

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ABSTRACT

Allelopathic plants and their chemical compounds offer promising possibilities for sustainable weed management. This study aimed to assess the phytotoxic potential of birthwort (Aristolochia clematitis L.) on the germination and early growth of crops (wheat, barley, basil) and the weed species redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.). Extracts from fresh and dry aboveground biomass of A. clematitis, in different concentrations, were evaluated using a Petri dish bioassay and a pot experiment with soil. The results indicated that allelopathic effects of A. clematitis extracts depended on extract concentration, biomass type, test species, and application method. Germination and growth of the test species generally decreased as the concentration of weed biomass in the water extracts increased. In the Petri dish bioassay, extracts from fresh biomass had both positive and negative effects, while higher concentrations of dry biomass extract suppressed germination and seedling growth by up to 90 %. In the pot experiment, the allelopathic impact was less pronounced, and inhibition was observed only with the application of extracts from dry biomass. Variability in species sensitivity was also noted, with barley and A. retroflexus being the most affected. A. clematitis shows great potential as a subject for further research.

Keywords: Aristolochia clematitis, germination, inhibition, phytotoxicity, seedling growth, biocontrol
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