Fitokemična karakterizacija in alelopatski potencial spontane saharske vrste Pergularia tomentosa L (Apocynaceae)

The present study investigated the biochemical composition and phenolic compound content of Pergularia tomentosa L. and evaluated its allelopathic potential. Phytochemical analysis revealed substantial concentrations of total phenolic compounds (276 mg GAE g-1) and flavonoids (34.93 mg QE g-1). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) analysis identified the presence of folic acid, β-carotene, rutin, oleanolic acid, salicin, vitexin, vanillin, caffeic acid, gallic acid, and salicylic acid. The allelopathic activity was assessed through germination and seedling growth bioassays using Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. (a weed species) and Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. (a cultivated crop species). Five concentrations (5 %, 10 %, 50 %, 90 %, and 100 %) were tested against negative and positive controls. Complete inhibition of seed germination, shoot elongation, and root development was observed at the highest concentrations (90 % and 100 %), while lower concentrations demonstrated moderate inhibitory effects, the current study also revealed a good correlation between total phenolic contents and the allelopathic activity of the crude extracts. The substantial phenolic content and pronounced allelopathic activity of P. tomentosa extracts suggest that this species represents a promising source of allelochemicals for biological weed management applications.