Efecto de extractos foliares acuosos de Amaranthus hybridus y Funastrum clausum en el crecimiento temprano de plántulas de maíz forrajero

Maize is commonly cultivated under conventional agricultural systems to maximize yield; however, during its early growth stages, it may be negatively affected by competition with weeds such as Amaranthus hybridus L. and Funastrum clausum (Jacq.) Schltr. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of different concentrations of aqueous leaf extracts from both species on morphometric parameters, biomass, and relative chlorophyll content (SPAD index) in maize seedlings. A completely randomized design was used with eight treatments: a control, four concentrations of A. hybridus extract (5, 10, 15, and 20 %), and three concentrations of F. clausum (5, 10, and 15 %), applied at 7 and 14 days after sowing (DAS). The results showed that the 15 % F. clausum extract increased shoot biomass (> 15 %) and root biomass (> 30 %), whereas lower concentrations increased the SPAD index (> 30%) compared with the control. In contrast, the 20 % A. hybridus extract increased plant height (> 22.4 %) but reduced structural dry matter accumulation. It is concluded that F. clausum extracts show biostimulant potential for enhancing early vigor in maize seedlings.