Effects of Eugenia dysenterica leaf extracts on the growth of sesame and radish

The sesame and radish were germinated and grown in different concentrations of E. dysenterica leaf extracts using filter paper and Cerrado soil as substrates. This study also evaluated the effects of fresh-and dry-leaf extracts and the extract pH (4.7 – 7.0) on target species. The extract did not influence the germination but drastically reduced the seedling growth. The roots were more affected by the extracts than shoots. Dry-leaf extracts were more inhibitory to sesame and radish seedlings than fresh-leaves extracts. The extract pH did not influence the allelopathic response of target species. The extracts resulted in the abnormal growth of seedlings viz., shorter roots, root tissue darkening, early lateral root development, less number of root hairs and lateral roots and altered gravitropic response. The inhibitory effects of leaves extracts on seedling growth were more intense, when soil was substrate. Thus E. dysenterica leaves have an allelopathic potential that could influence the germination and growth of plants under natural conditions.