Bioherbicidal activity of Eruca sativa fresh shoot aqueous extract for the management of two annual weeds associating Pisum sativum plants

Background Brassica species have been established to have very high concentrations of glucosinolates, flavonols, and other secondary metabolites that achieved good results in weed management strategy. So, this study highlights how to investigate the allelopathic potential of Eruca sativa fresh shoot aqueous extract as a natural bioherbicide to control Phalaris minor and Beta vulgaris weeds beside its effect on Pisum sativum growth as well as yield traits. Two pot experiments were conducted in the greenhouse of the National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt, in the two successive winter seasons of (2016–2017, 2017–2018). Treatments were applied by spraying E. sativa fresh shoot aqueous extract once at 14 days after sowing and twice at 14 and 21 days after sowing at rates of 20, 40, 60, and 80% w / v . Results E. sativa fresh shoot aqueous extract at 80% achieved the maximum inhibition effect on the growth of both weeds. This in turn was reflected on P. sativum plant and gave the observable highest growth and yield parameters. Chemical analysis of E. sativa shoot powder approved the presence glucosinolates (9.6 μmol/g) and phenolic compounds (46.5 mg/g) which may be responsible for the allelopathic effect. Conclusion Spraying of aqueous fresh shoot extract of E. sativa at 80% ( w / v ) can be applied as natural selective bioherbicide in controlling the two annual grassy and broad-leaved weeds associated with P. sativum plants.