Weeds are a major problem limiting agriculture and cattle raising activities in the tropics. Current chemical control measures have raised environmental concerns due to their potential of contaminating natural resources and compromising the quality of animal feed. The objective of this paper was to identify and characterize the potential allelopathic activity of Fusarium solani f. sp. pipers culture filtrate. The effects of the toxin were analyzed at 1% and 4% concentration, on seed germination and radicle and hypocotyl elongation of the weeds Mimosa pudica and Senna obtusifolia. The results showed potential inhibitory allelopathic activity of the Fusarium culture filtrate, varying according to concentration and receiving plants. The intensity of the inhibition effects promoted by the extracts was clearly associated to concentration, with the major effect being observed at 4%. Regardless of concentration and bioassays, Mimosa pudica was more sensitive to the toxin effects of the culture filtrate. Radicle elongation was more intensely inhibited by the culture filtrate toxins. The results showed potential for the use of the toxins produced by Fusarium solani f. sp. pipers, as an alternative source to control weeds. However, further studies should be carried out.
allelopathy; inhibition; germination; radicle; hypocotyl; toxins
