Allelopathic potential of Trigonella foenum-graecum L.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) contains substances of medicinal value. Aqueous extracts of its various parts (leaves + shoots, roots, seeds and ground seeds) were bioassayed in laboratory conditions to determine their allelopathic effects on seed germination and early seedling growth of 9 test crops (Pisum sativum L., Cicer arietinum L, Phaseolus vulgaris L., Lens esculentum M., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Linum usitatissimum L., Hordeum vulgare L., Triticum aestivum L. and Zea mays L). The Phaseolus vulgaris was the most resistant species and Foeniculum vulgare, Hordeum vulgare and Zea mays were the most sensitive. Incorporation of residues from aerial plant parts in peat stimulated the root and shoot growth of P. vulgaris by 4 and 8 times, respectively. Thus, aqueous extracts or residues of fenugreek plants had potent allelopathic activity and the activity differed with target species and plant parts. The inhibitory effect was in the following order: leaves and shoots > ground seeds > seeds > roots. Its biomass stimulated the germination and growth of test crops.