Phytotoxic effects of mediterranean plants extracts on lettuce, tomato and onion as possible additive in irrigation drips

The study aimed to identify the mixtures of natural products to be added to the drippers (used in drip irrigation) during their preparation, so that the slow release of phytotoxic substances with the passage of water reduces or eliminates the intrusion of roots in the drippers. In field studies, we selected five phytotoxic plant species [Vetch villosa Roth., Brassica juncea L., Secale cereale L., Juncus effusus L. and Vallisneria natans L.] and their hydroalcoholic extracts were tested on two dicotyledons [Lactuca sativa L. cv Cavolo di Napoli and Lycopersicon esculentum L.] and one monocotyledon, Allium cepa L. We determined the structure of the main components of each extract. The Vetch villosa extract was most inhibitory. Further studies are required to determine whether to use the extract as such or one or more of its individual components can be used as possible additive in subsurface irrigation drip.