Phytotoxic potential of common nettle (Urtica dioica L.) on germination and early growth of cereals and vegetables

This study was done to evaluate the phytotoxic potential of weed Urtica dioica L. (common nettle) on germination and early seedling growth of cereals (wheat, barley and oat) and vegetables (lettuce, spinach and radish). The seeds of test plants were grown in U. dioica leaf leachate-amended soil, the leachates influenced the germination and seedlings growth of all tested plants. The U. dioica leachate were rich in total phenolic and flavonoids as well as had significant antioxidant activity. Based on vigour index, vegetables were very sensitive to U. dioica leachate, while cereals were tolerant (except barley). Thus U. dioica negatively affects the germination and growth and may cause problems in cultivation of these plants, hence, the U. dioica should be removed from the crop fields to avoid its harmful effects on crops and vegetables.