This study evaluated the allelopathic effects of an extract from P. mikanianum leaves on the germination and early growth of radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Leaf extracts were prepared at concentrations of 2, 4 and 8%. The pH and osmotic potential of the extracts were determined. Germination bioassay consisted of five replicates of 25 radish seeds distributed in Petri dishes with germitest paper and 7 mL of extract or water, and were kept at 25ºC in B.O.D. for five days. Germination percentage (PG), germination speed (VG), germination speed index (IVG) and index of allelopathic effect (RI) were determined. For bioassay initial growth, seeds were germinated until the protrusion of the radicle was 2 mm and transferred to Gerbox boxes containing germitest paper and 15 mL of extract or water, which were kept for seven days at 25ºC in B.O.D. to evaluate the length of the radicle and hypocotyl, fresh and dry mass, water content and chlorophyll content (a, b and total). Leaf extracts from P. mikanianum negatively affected all parameters examined for germination (PG, VG, IVG and RI). The extracts affected the initial growth, causing reduction of the radicle length and stimulating the growth of the hypocotyl. In addition, the extracts at 8% concentration reduced fresh weight and water content. Extracts at concentrations of 2 and 4% increased the content of chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll. Thus, Piper mikanianum exerted an allelopathic effect on radish.
allelopathy; physiological quality; Piper mikanianum; Raphanus sativus
