Study the Allelopathic Effects of Saltwort (Salsola kali L.) on Seed Germination and Heterotrophic Seedling Growth of Some Crops

In order to study the allelopathic effect of dried common saltwort plant (Salsola kali) on some crops seed germination characteristics and seedling heterotrophic growth, a study was conducted in the laboratory of agriculture and natural resources faculty in Mohghegh Ardabili University. The aquatic extract of common saltwort in three consistency (1-3 and 5 %) and control in a completely randomized basic design (CRD) was evaluated on germination percentage, speed of germination, root and shoot length and seedling dry matter of safflower, sunflower, wheat, vetch, alfalfa, barley, corn and rapeseed. The results proved the allelopathic effect of common saltwort because all the evaluated germination characteristics of the studied crops showed a significant decrease comparing to the control. Due to the allelopathic effect of common saltwort, germination and primary seedling growth of crops encountered impressive damages so that, germination percentage, speed of germination, root and shoot length,  and seedling dry matter reduction leads to  diminution of crops yield. It seems that sunflower, wheat and corn receive less damage from allelochemicals of common saltwort plant. So these crops are more recommendable in contaminated lands.