ABSTRACT
Bioherbicidal potential of Solanum curtilobum, a bitter potato from the Andes

Pablo Luna-Rodriguez1* and Jorge Luis Tejada1
 
The Peruvian Andes are home to a rich diversity of native potatoes, including the bitter potato Solanum curtilobum Juz. & Bukasov, characterized by its high levels of glycoalkaloids. This study explores the allelopathic potential of S. curtilobum methanolic extract on the germination and growth of the widespread weed Bidens pilosa L. A germination assay was conducted using different extract concentrations (0, 1, 5, 20, and 50 mL L-1), assessing germination percentage, mean germination time, uncertainty index, and seedling length. Results showed that 20 mL L-1, in contrast to 0, 1 and 5 mL L-1, significantly (P < 0.05) increased mean germination time and reduced seedling length, while 50 mL L-1 completely inhibited germination and reduced significantly uncertainty index in comparison to 0, 1 and 5 mL L-1. Regression analysis confirmed strong dose-dependent effects for germination percentage (R2 = 0.72), mean germination time (R2 = 0.78), and uncertainty index (R2 = 0.77), while seedling length showed a weaker association (R2 = 0.23). The extract’s half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for germination was 24.30 mL L1. These findings highlight the allelopathic potential of S. curtilobum and its potential use as bioherbicide for sustainable weed management.
Keywords: Allelopathy, Bidens pilosa, germination, phytotoxicity, plant extracts, weed control.
1Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Facultad de Agronomia, Lima, Peru.
*Corresponding author (20210579@lamolina.pe)