ALLELOPATHIC EFFECTS OF Tithonia diversifolia N-BUTANOLIC SUB-FRACTIONS ON WEED SUPPRESSION, GERMINATION, AND CYTOTOXICITY IN TWO COWPEA VARIETIES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1005-4989Keywords:
allelopathy, weed suppression, Vigna unguiculata, germination inhibition, cytotoxicity, bioherbicideAbstract
The search for sustainable alternatives to synthetic herbicides has intensified interest in plant-derived allelochemicals for weed management. This study evaluated the effects of Tithonia diversifolia n-butanolic sub-fractions on weed suppression indices, germination, seedling growth, and cytotoxicity in two varieties of Vigna unguiculata (Vital-5 and K-28). Germination was significantly reduced in all treated groups compared to the control, with sub-fraction G exhibiting the strongest inhibitory effect, particularly in Vital-5, while K-28 showed relatively higher tolerance. Seedling growth responses revealed consistent inhibition of radicle elongation across treatments, whereas some sub-fractions (E and H) stimulated plumule growth in K-28, suggesting a hormetic response. All sub-fractions demonstrated measurable weed suppression, with G showing the highest suppression and E exhibiting the greatest weed suppression efficiency. Cytological analyses revealed pronounced mitotic abnormalities, including micronuclei formation, chromosomal fragmentation, spindle disruption, and complete mitotic arrest, indicating strong cytotoxic and effects. Overall, the findings highlight the significant allelopathic and bioherbicidal potential of T. diversifolia n-butanolic sub-fractions. However, the observed phytotoxicity to cowpea underscores the need for optimization to achieve selective weed control in sustainable agricultural systems.
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Copyright (c) 2026 AbdulAziz Ayinla, Wasiu O Opadokun, AbdulRasheed O Koiki, Umar B Olayinka, Amudalat R. Lawal, Lukman B. AbdulRauf, AbdulAzeez Balogun, AbdulToyyeeb Bello, Isiaka Kareem, Fatimoh T Ridwan,, Ganiyat T Abdulkareem, Zainab N Abubakar, Khadijah Mohammed, Asiaw Abdulganiy
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
