Journal of Plant Process and Function

In order to evaluate the allelopatic potential of artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) on germination, growth, lipid peroxidation and some hormones content of Cyperus rotundus rhizome were assessed in Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar Branch (Iran). The experiments were carried out under completely randomized design with 6 treatments (0, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% C. cardunculus aqueous extract as irrigation water) in 5 replications. Remarkable decreases were observed in seedling fresh weight, shoot height, α-amylase activity, Indole acetic acidand Gibberellins content of C. rotundus rhizome in line with the increase in C. cardunculus extract percentage. Lowest α-amylase activity (1.25 nmol gr rhizome min-1), Indole acetic acid (50 µg gr-1 ) and Gibberellins (95 µg gr-1) in C. rotundus rhizome obtained from 100% C. cardunculus aqueous extract. Malondialdehyde and Abscisic Acid content reached its top concentration in C. rotundus rhizome (0.92µmo-1 gr FW and 172 µg gr-1) treated with 100% C. cardunculus aqueous extract as irrigation water. This study supported the assumption argued that C. cardunculus extract inhibited the C. rotundus rhizome growth through increasing lipid peroxidation and decreased Indole acetic acid and Gibberellins content.