Biological interactions between Moringa oleifera Lam. and two common food intercrops: growth and some physiological attributes

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible allelopathic potential of Moringa oleifera Lam. on some growth and physiological attributes of the two economically important food crops; Vicia faba L. and Zea mays L. in mixed cropping system. Germination percentage (GP), plumule (PL) and radicle (RL) lengths as well as dry weights were significantly affected by applying the different concentrations (0, 10, 20 and 40%) of M. oleifera leaves aqueous extract (MOLAE) and M. oleifera leaves crude powder (MOLCP) where it decreased with increasing the extract concentration (V. faba < Z. mays). Additionally, it was found that MOLCP decreased the efficiency of chlorophyll ?uorescence spectra, photosynthetic pigments and photosystem II photochemistry (Fv/Fm). The effect was more detected in V. faba compared to Z. mays. In conclusion, the cultivation of M. oleifera accompanied with V. faba and Z. mays as intercrops is not recommended for its dramatic effects on germination efficiency and growth besides some photosynthetic activity.