Determination and investigation of potential allelopathic in Thorn apple (Datura stramonium) alkaloids on germination indices of corn cultivars

In this study the shoot parts extracts of Datura stramonium prepared and was analysed using GC-MS method. Three alkaloids including tropinon, tropin and atropine were found and extracted. The potential allelopathic effects of these compounds were evaluated in a factorial experiment based on RCBD with 3 replications on the germination and seedling growth of six corn hybrids including Sc-301, Sc- 404, Sc- 500, Sc- 647, Sc- 700 and Sc- 704 Results showed that the three way interaction effect of alkaloid × concentration × hybrid is significant on germination percentage and rate. Highest inhibitory potential was related to tropinone while lowes values was found in tropine. Increasing the concentration of alkaloid, inhibitory effect was also increased. Root and shoot dry weight of all corn hybrids were affected by the inhibitory effect of tropine and atropine. Both characteristics were increased in all corn hybrids when were exposed to atropine. Generally, it was concluded that three different alkoloides are existing in patura which have different allelopathic effects and may influence the next crop plant. The mechanisms which are responsible for the inhibitory effects of these allelochemicals may be usefull for finding the componds which can be used as herbicides.