O potencial alelopático das briófitas em fedegoso (Senna occidentalis): uma alternativa ao uso de defensivos agrícolas no controle do pasto

Abstract

This study evaluated the allelopathic potential of bryophytes on the germination of Senna occidentalis seeds, commonly known as coffee senna, a weed frequently found in pasture areas and responsible for significant losses in livestock production. The research was carried out through an experimental study conducted in the municipality of Pedro II, Piauí, Brazil, using bryophytes collected in the Bananeira region. After collection, the plant material was dried, sieved, and used to prepare aqueous extracts at different concentrations. The seeds of Senna occidentalis were previously subjected to dormancy-breaking treatment and then distributed into experimental units containing cotton as a substrate. The treatments consisted of the daily application of bryophyte extracts at concentrations of 100%, 50%, 25%, and 12.5%, in addition to a control group irrigated only with water. The evaluation was conducted over a period of thirteen days, during which seed germination rates were observed and recorded. The results showed that increasing extract concentration progressively reduced seed germination. The control group presented a high germination rate, whereas the 12.5% concentration caused only a slight reduction. At the 25% concentration, germination was significantly reduced, while no germination was observed at the 50% and 100% concentrations. These findings indicate the presence of allelopathic substances in the bryophytes used in the study, capable of interfering with the germination process of Senna occidentalis. It is concluded that bryophytes have potential for application in studies aimed at developing natural alternatives for weed management, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices and reducing dependence on synthetic herbicides.