Herbicidal potential of Eichhornia crassipes leaf extract against Mimosa pigra and Vigna radiata
2013
Tsun-Thai, C. (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti, Kampar (Malaysia). Centre for Biodiversity Research) | Jiang-Chin, N. (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti, Kampar (Malaysia). Dept. of Chemical Science) | Fai-Chu, W. (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti, Kampar (Malaysia). Dept. of Chemical Science)
Despite reports of phytotoxicity of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) extract, little is known about its effects on weed species. Similarly, current understanding of the mode of action of water hyacinth extract as a bioherbicidal agent is limited. In this study, we assessed the effects of water hyacinth leaf extract on the germination, growth and several biochemical parameters of Mimosa pigra, an invasive weed. Vigna radiata, a crop species, was also tested for comparison. Control studies were conducted to separate the effects of extract pH and osmolarity on the parameters measured. Water hyacinth extract reduced the total percentage and speed of germination of M. pigra but not V. radiata. Root length and fresh weight were consistently compromised in the non-pregerminated and pregerminated seedlings of M. pigra and V. radiata. Water hyacinth extract induced similar biochemical responses in the root tissues of non-pregerminated and pregerminated seedlings of both test species. Hydrogen peroxide content and cell wall-bound peroxidase activity in the root tissues were increased, whereas soluble peroxidase activity was inhibited in both test species. Malondialdehyde content decreased in the root tissues of V. radiata but showed no significant changes in M. pigra. Overall, our study demonstrated the bioherbicidal activity of water hyacinth extract against M. pigra and V. radiata. In addition, the inhibition of root growth by water hyacinth extract may be mediated by enhanced cell wall-bound peroxidase activity and hydrogen peroxide accumulation in root tissues.
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