Ficus carica L.: Phytochemistry and Allelopathic Potentialities on Selected Crop and Weed Species

Weed infestation is a major constraint to crop production, especially in vegetables such as cucumber and pepper, where Setaria verticillata L.P.Beauv., Phragmites communis Trin., and Cynodon dactylon L. Pers cause severe yield losses. This study evaluated the phytotoxic potential of Ficus carica L. leaves. Aqueous extracts were tested using foliar spray and soil incorporation to assess effects on seed germination and early growth of weeds and crops. The extracts exhibited strong dose-dependent inhibition, reducing germination by 46% in S. verticillata and 63.1% in C. dactylon. Root growth was suppressed by 92.1%, 89.3%, and 80.4% in C. dactylon, S. verticillata, and P. communis, respectively. Foliar spray caused the strongest inhibition, with shoot, root lengths, and leaf number reduced by up to 100% in S. verticillata L. For crop species, only a slight, nonsignificant effect was observed, confirming the selectivity of F. carica extracts in suppressing weeds while minimally affecting crops. Molecular docking revealed strong interactions between major F. carica polyphenols (1,3-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid and luteolin) and GST/HPPD enzymes, suggesting a potential mode of action. These findings highlight F. carica leaves as a bioherbicidal resource and a sustainable alternative for weed management in agriculture.