Allelopathic Effects of Important Weed Species on Germination and Growth of Maize and Soybean Seedlings1
Abstract
The allelopathic effects of six weeds on germination & growth of maize and soybean seedlings were studied in laboratory. The boiled and unboiled extracts of Lantana, Eupatorium, Cyperus, Ageratum. Johnson-grass and Echimchloa prepared from whole plant were used alongwitb water as control. The boiled extract of weeds did not affect the germination of maize and soybean. Whereas, the unboiled extract of Echinothloa reduced the germination of both the crops. The boiled and unboiled extracts of Eupatorium and Ageratum, and unboiled extracts of Eehimehloa delayed the germination of both the crops by two days. The leaf development of maize and soybean was significantly inhibited by boiled extracts of Eupatorium and unboiled extract of Echinochloa. Boiled extract of Johnsongrass promoted the growth of radicle and coleoptile of both the crops. Whereas boiled and unboiled extracts of Eupatorium and Ageratum as well as unboiled extract of Echinochloa inhibited the growth of redide and coleoptile.
