The effect of sunflower leaf extracts on Chenopodium album in wheat fields in Pakistan

In search of natural alternatives for weed management against Chenopodium album L., extracts of sunflower leaves (var. Suncross-42) were tested in two aqueous concentrations. The activity of a crude aqueous extract was evaluated taking MCPA as internal reference. Sunflower leaf extracts allelochemicals showed substantial potential to be used as natural herbicide for broadleaved weeds such as C. album. In comparison with synthetic herbicides the crude extract failed to eradicate this weed completely, but the highest tested concentration successfully killed the weed and overcame weed crop competition and consequently increased wheat yield significantly.