Through allelopathic interactions, plants may either suppress competing species or promote those that may help them better adapt to their environment. The purpose of this research was to determine how the root exudates of 15 common weeds affected the germination of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Every other day, 15 seeds were dispersed over Petri dishes (with filter paper) and pots (with garden soil) and treated with 1 mL and 5 mL of aqueous root exudates, respectively. Distilled water had the highest germination rate at 86.33% and the lowest at 64.00% (p = 0.001) for Commelina benghalensis in the Petri dish containing root exudates. The seed germination percentage of the pot condition was the lowest, at 68.45% (p = 0.004), for Solanum nigrum, while the control was 87.23%. Similarly, the lowest shoot length, 12.01 cm (p = 0.0025) in Mikania micrantha, and the lowest root length of 2.17 cm (p = 0.0048) in Leucas aspera, were recorded, whereas the control was 19.13 cm and 3.46 cm, respectively, in Petri dishes. In addition, the lowest shoot and root growth were 9.72 cm (p = 0.0004) in Mikania micrantha and 4.34 cm (p = 0.0019) in Spilanthes acmella, while the control was at 20.13 cm and 6.42 cm, respectively, for pot culture. Furthermore, in seedlings, biomass studies of treated T. aestivum showed elevated malonaldehyde (MDA) levels in both Petri dishes and pot cultures. However, chlorophyll a and b levels, as well as those of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), are lower than in the control group. Both enzymes were elevated in pot cultures compared to those grown in Petri plates. The dry weight of T. aestivum seedlings cultivated in pots and Petri dishes demonstrated its considerable allelopathic influence. This research found that the root exudates of all the weeds studied could have the capacity to impede wheat seed germination as well as the development of wheat seedlings. These inhibitory effects were higher in Petri dishes than in pot cultures.

Allelopathy, a biological phenomenon where plants release chemicals that influence the growth and development of neighboring flora, offers potential natural alternatives for weed management in agriculture. This study investigated the allelopathic effects of Heliotropium indicum leaf and root extracts on the germination, growth, and biochemical parameters of eight cucurbit crops. Results demonstrated that H. indicum extracts generally inhibited seed germination across all cucurbit species, with aqueous extracts showing a stronger effect than methanol extracts in Lagenaria siceraria at 10.66 ± 0.46% (p < 0.001). The treatment also variably affected shoot and root growth, indicating both inhibitory and stimulatory actions, depending on the crop species and extract type. For instance, in methanol extract treatments, Benincasa hispida’s shoot length was significantly reduced, compared to the control, at 2.1 ± 0.14 cm (p < 0.001). Notably, aqueous leaf extracts enhanced chlorophyll content more effectively than root extracts, suggesting a potential application as a biostimulant, to improve photosynthetic efficiency in certain species, for example, Momordica charantia (p < 0.05). The study further explored the antioxidative potential of the extracts by measuring MDA levels, a biomarker for oxidative stress. MDA levels increased significantly across all species in response to both types of extracts, indicating oxidative stress (L. siceraria p < 0.05). These findings suggest the potential of H. indicum extracts as natural herbicides and biostimulants, though their effects are species-specific and dependent on concentration. This research contributes to understanding the complex interactions in plant allelopathy, and highlights the potential of plant-derived extracts in sustainable agriculture.

Dried fish is widely consumed in Bangladesh and may serve as a source of exposure to persistent organochlorine pesticides. In this study, pesticide residues in three dried fish species were analyzed using GC–ECD, and their toxicological effects were evaluated in female Wistar rats following dietary exposure at 6 and 12 g/kg/day for 45 days. Multiple residues (7–53 ppb) were detected, with the highest levels in Pama Croaker. Estimated pesticide intake ranged from 42–318 ng/kg/day at the lower dose and 84–636 ng/kg/day at the higher dose. Exposure significantly increased ALT, AST, and ALP levels, elevated lipid peroxidation, and reduced antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, and GSH). Histopathological alterations were observed in the liver, kidney, and heart tissues. Hepatic CYP3A1 and CYP2D1 expression was significantly altered. These findings indicate that consumption of contaminated dried fish may induce oxidative stress and multi-organ toxicity, posing potential health risks.