The effect of Sunn hemp extract (Crotalaria juncea) formulated with chitosan nanoparticle on the germination of some weeds

Sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) is an allelopathic cover crop used for the physical control of weeds. In order to investigate the effect of Sunn hemp formulated extract with chitosan nanoparticles on the germination of some weeds, an experiment was carried out in 2021 at the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Mohaghegh Ardabili University with three replications. The experimental treatments included weed species wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.) and pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) and extract concentration as zero (distilled water), 150 and 200 g/L. The results showed that Sunn hemp formulated extract with chitosan nanoparticles affected the germination percentage and related components in weed seeds. Also, the results indicated that with the increase in concentration (150 and 200 g/L respectively) the germination percentage of wild mustard seeds (20 and 44%, respectively) and pigweed seeds (6 and 12%, respectively) decreased compared to zero concentration. The results demonstrated that the wild mustard weed seed was more affected compared to the pigweed. Pearson's analysis showed a negative and significant effect of germination on time up to 25, 50 and 75%, mean germination time, and germination index. It also showed the positive and significant effect of germination on the coefficient of the velocity of germination, peak value, and germination value. The results emphasize the effect of Sunn hemp extract formulated with chitosan at a concentration of 200 g/L on the reduction of germination and its related components in wild mustard seeds.