Allelopathic Effects of Melilotus officinalis Desr. against Weeds

In this study,the allelopathic effects of 100 g / L water extract of Melilotus officinalis Desr. on seed germination and seedling growth of Melilotus officinalis Desr.,Trifolium pretense L.,Medicago sativa L. cv. Victoria,Echinochloa crusgalli( L.) Beauv.,Lxeris chinensis( Thunb.) Nakai and Plantago asiatica L.were investigated by biological assay. Dried powder of Melilotus officinalis Desr. was applied to the field in spring and winter to verify the inhibitory effects of Melilotus officinalis Desr. on weed biomass in the experimental field and compare the effects between Melilotus officinalis Desr. and a variety of commonly used chemical herbicides on weed suppression. The results showed that water extract of Melilotus officinalis Desr. posed significant effects on seed germination and seedling growth of Trifolium pretense L.,Echinochloa crusgalli( L.) Beauv.,Lxeris chinensis( Thunb.) Nakai,Plantago asiatica L.,Melilotus officinalis Desr. and Medicago sativa L. cv. Victoria,exhibiting strong allelopathic effects,but the inhibition rate varied greatly among different plant species. Therefore,the allelopathic effects of Melilotus officinalis Desr. should be utilized appropriately in practical applications. Dried powder of Melilotus officinalis Desr. significantly reduced weed quantity in the field for a short duration,which should be administered multiple times in a sufficient amount for weed control in the production.