Allelopathic effect of Butea monosperma L. leaf extract on seed germination and seedling vigour of selected summer legume crops

The present study was aimed to evaluate allelopathic effect of various concentrations (Zero, 5, 10 and 15%W/V) of the aqueous leaf extract of Butea monosperma on seed germination and seedling vigour of green gram (Vigna radiata (L.), blackgram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) and guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub). The findings revealed that the aqueous leaf extract of Butea monosperma had inhibitory effects on seed germination and seedling growth parameters. Application of aqueous leaf extract has significantly reduced per cent seed germination and collar diameter, seedling growth and total dry weight of 15 days old seedlings. The inhibitory effect increased with increase in concentrations of extracts from zero to 15%. Maximum inhibitory effect was indicated by 15% aqueous extract. Among the test crops, the negative allelopathic influence was more pronounced on green gram than black gram and guar.