Early development of corn in substrate with dry leaves of Pityrocarpa moniliformis

Abstract

Agroforest systems make possible ecologically viable exploitation of forest and crop species. Pityrocarpa moniliformis is a forest species with high apiculture value and, consequently, an extra profit source for farmers, whilst corn is one of the main species as a food basis due to its carbohydrates and proteins. Research work is required on possible interactivities established between forest and crop species, such as allelopathy. A possible allelopathic influence of the dry leaves of Pityrocarpa moniliformis in decomposition may be identified on the establishment and development of corn seedlings, var. Ibra. The presence or absence of alkaloids, triterpenoids, steroids, saponins, coumarins, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, anthocyanidins, chalcones, leucoanthocyanidins, catechins and flavonones, was identified through qualitative characteristics for the aqueous extract of the dry leaves of Pityrocarpa moniliformis by totally randomized and factorial design The establishment of seedlings through percentage, speed index and mean emergence time and early development, height of aerial part, length of root system, dry mass of aerial and root section and total were undertaken. Alkaloids, triterpenoids, saponins, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, catechins and flavonones, potentially allelopathic compounds, were extant in the foliar extract. Corn as an integral part of an agri-forest system with P. moniliformis is not recommended.