Phytotoxic effects of Cassia tora on growth and metabolism of Parthenium hysterophorus L.

The powdered leaf of C. tora adversely affected the growth of Parthenium upto 60 DAS. It reduced the plant height, leaves size and number of branches, capitula and seeds per plant. The total sugars and lipids were decreased both in leaf and stem of Parthenium plants supplied with C. tora residues. The decrease in the amount of sugars and lipids was proportional to the quantity of the residue added i.e. concentration dependent. While, the concentration of organic and amino acids was increased with increasing rates of C. tora residues. The leaf residue of Cassia tora may be used as potent bioherbicide.