Management of Rumex dentatus L. in Vicia faba L. Cultivations

Weed control in crop cultivations is a sustainable approach that can contribute to a reduction in pesticide use as part of an integrated pest management strategy. This study was conducted to evaluate the bio-herbicidal potential of shoot system of Ononis vaginalis Vahl. on Rumex dentatus L.; a major pest of broad bean (Vicia faba L.). General phytochemical screening of O. vaginalis showed an abundant production of allelochemicals as secondary metabolites which may play a role as natural herbicides. Germination and growth bioassays were conducted to investigate the effect of aqueous and crude powder of the donor species on some germination and growth parameters. Results showed that there was no significant effect of low concentrations on seed germination of V. faba in both pure and mixed cultures on contrarily to those recorded for R. dentatus; gradual decrease with increasing O. vaginalis concentrations in both cultures. On the other hand, total phenolics in V. faba shoot and root showed an increase under different treatments except in high concentration treatment. While in R. dentatus, total phenolics and flavonoids fractions in root of V. faba were decreased in response to different concentration treatments. On the other hand, flavonoids increase in shoots of R. dentatus, while decreasing in roots in mixed culture under high concentration treatments. In conclusion, the study confirmed the integration of O. vaginalis in existing weed control management systems. O. vaginalis could be further tested for suppression of weed growth under field conditions.