Department of Botany, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
*Correspondence author: E. Mail: mnmushtaq@gmail.com
1Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Agroforestry trees in fields may affect the germination and growth of agricultural crops through release of allelochemicals. Allelopathic effects of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. (Shisham) fresh and dry leaves extract (25, 50, and 100%) were investigated on germination and growth of maize (Zea mays L.), pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.). In laboratory bioassay, the 100% dry leaves extract completely inhibited the germination of pearlmillet and rice and caused 80% reduction in maize. In pot culture, foliar spray of fresh and dry leaves extracts either had no effect on growth of pearlmillet and rice or slightly promoted their growth. Dry leaves extract (100%) enhanced the maize dry matter production (140%) over control. Dry leaves water extract was more effective than fresh leaves.
Agroforestry, allelopathy, bioassay, compatibility, Dalbergia sissoo, growth, maize, pearlmillet, pot culture, rice
