Allelopathy effects of Matricaria chamomilla L. on germination, early growth and nutrient uptake of pea seedlings

Plant species exhibiting allelopathic effects on weeds represent a promising approach for the development of environmentally sustainable bioherbicides. An invasive weed is a non-native species that, through its establishment or spread, has become harmful to native plants. Crop weed invasion reduced the potential for yield by releasing a particular chemical into the soil and competing for natural resources. The current study aimed to estimate the effect of different concentrations (0.0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10%) of the aqueous leaf extract of the therapeutic plant chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) impact the pea (Pisum sativum L.) seedlings growth parameters, physiological and biochemical characteristics, mineral absorption, and antioxidant enzyme functions. The results showed the allelopathic effect of Chamomile leaves on seed germination and their diminishing effect on the prolines, total free amino acids, and growth parameters. Further, it also caused a surge in the expression of antioxidant enzymes, proteins, carbohydrates, K+, and Ca2+. Furthermore, there is a rise in lipid peroxidation and H2O2 levels at elevated extract concentrations. The strongest inhibiting or stimulating behaviors were observed at 8 and 10% concentrations of the extract. These results offer perspectives on the pea plant's reaction to the allelopathic influence of the herb Chamomile, thus categorizing Chamomile extract as an allelopathic variety.