Growth Suppression by Chenopodium murale L.: Rhizosphere Soil Dynamics and Phytotoxic Potential in Crop-Weed Systems

AbstractThis study scrutinises the allelopathic effects of Chenopodium murale L . on the growth of crops and weeds via its rhizosphere soil. Comprehensive morphological examination and soil sampling demonstrated that C. murale dramatically modifies soil characteristics, increasing pH, electrical conductivity, and total phenolic content. Growth experiments utilising crops namely Pisum sativum L., Cicer arietinum L., Triticum aestivum L., Oryza sativa L., and specific weeds Melilotus indicus (L.) All., Phalaris minor Retz, Cassia tora L., and Vicia villosa Roth. demonstrated significant decreases in root and shoot length, along with dry biomass, when cultivated in rhizosphere soil compared to the control group. SEM-EDX analysis verified the existence of nutrients, eliminating nutritional deficit as a limiting factor for growth. Conversely, increased phenolic compounds were associated with growth inhibition. The research illustrates species-specific sensitivity and indicates allelopathic interference as a significant element in weed-crop dynamics. These findings underscore the potential influence of C. murale on plant communities and advocate for its inclusion in sustainable weed management techniques due to its phytotoxic effects. The study sought to characterise the morphological characteristics of C. murale L., examine the physicochemical features of its rhizosphere soil, and evaluate its allelopathic effects on specific crops and weeds. SEM-EDS was utilised to analyse the elemental composition of the rhizosphere soil.