Abstract:
As part of the valorization of Saharan plant resources and the search for bio-control methods,
this study focuses to evaluate the herbicidal effect of two species from the Euphorbiaceae
family such as Euphorbia guyoniana and Euphorbia retusa.
The study encompasses both a phytochemical analysis of aqueous leaf extracts and an
évaluation of their effects on seed germination. Particular attention was given to the weed
species Malva aegyptiaca and to an important cereal crop, durum wheat (Triticum durum).
The extracts were obtained using the reflux method, yielding 6.5% for E. guyoniana and 6%
for E. retusa. Phytochemical screening revealed richness in bioactive secondary metabolites.
Some compounds are absent in specific extracts, including alkaloids in E. guyoniana and
saponins in E. retusa. The biological evaluation under controlled conditions showed significant
inhibition of Malva aegyptiaca seed germination , whereas wheat germination was not
significantly affected according to Probit. Interestingly, low extract concentrations exhibited
stimulatory effects on root and shoot growth. This study highlights the selective bioherbicidal
potential of Euphorbia extracts and their promise as natural alternatives to synthetic herbicides
in sustainable agriculture.
