Assessment of Biochemical Diversity in Herbal Extracts and Their Effects on the Germination, Growth, and Metabolism of Colchicum kotschyi Boiss. from various regions in Iran

This study explored the effects of herbal extracts, derived from naturally occurring field herbs, on the germination, growth, and specific metabolic changes of the significant crop plant Colchicum kotschyi Boiss. The research was conducted in two main sections. First, morphological diversity across various populations of Colchicum was evaluated based on stem length, stamen count, petal number, petal length and breadth. Biochemical profiling using LC-MS identified the presence of non-enzymatic antioxidants in the plant extract, including ascorbic acid, caffeic acid, gallic acid, and rosmarinic acid, from seven distinct geographic locations. In the second part, a factorial experiment with a randomized complete block design and three replications was implemented to test the effects of Colchicum extract at concentrations of ۰%, ۵۰%, and ۱۰۰% on the germination of wheat, barley, camelina, and weed vetch. Multiple germination and seedling growth parameters were measured, including germination percentage, sprout count, stem and root length, leaf and root number, biomass, and seedling indices. Results showed that ۱۰۰% extract concentration completely inhibited germination in all plant species across both regions, while control treatments showed maximum germination rates (up to ۱۰۰%). The highest root length index (۲۴.۴۸) was observed in control wheat and barley seeds, with a dramatic reduction in treated seeds. Principal component analysis revealed that two independent components explained ۸۹.۷۸% of variation. Cluster analysis grouped traits into three and genotypes into two major clusters. Regional differences had minimal influence on germination traits. The findings from both analyses unequivocally confirm the absence of kaempferol in Colchicum petals. Meanwhile, due to the observed effects of ascorbic acid, caffeic acid, gallic acid, and rosmarinic acid on growth and germination, aqueous extracts from the Ilam and Mishkhas regions were chosen for further study. In conclusion, ۱۰۰% Colchicum extract strongly suppresses seed germination, suggesting its potential use as a natural bioherbicide for weed control.

کلیدواژه ها:

Antioxidants ، Colchicum kotschyi ، Germination ، LC-MS ، Plant growth characteristics