Studies on germination and allelopathic potential of horse purslane (Trianthema Portulacastruml.)

Seedling emergence of horse purslane as influenced by depth of seeding and its allelopathic effect on germination and seedling growth of wheat, chickpea and mustard was studied in pot culture and laboratory conditions. Maximum seedling emergence (26.76%) was observed at 2.0 cm seeding depth. Higher level of plant residue (4.0 t/ha) significantly reduced the germination of chickpea and mustard but not of wheat. Plant extracts or aqueous leachates did not show any toxic effect on germination of wheat, however, their effects on root and shoot growth of all the test crops was stimulatory as well as inhibitory. Among various test crops, wheat showed highest tolerance to this weed as compared to chickpea and mustard.