Allelopathic Potential of Trees Mangifera indica L. and Azadiracta indica L. on Germination and Growth of Parthenium hysterophorus L.

Herbicidal effects of aqueous leaf extracts of Mangifera indica L. and Azadiracta indica L. were evaluated against germination and growth of the noxious alien weed Parthenium hysterophorus L. Aqueous leaf extracts of 0, 25, 50 and 75% w/v of obtained from leaves of Mangifera indica L. and Azadiracta indica L. inhibit germination and seedling growth of P. hysterophorus in bioassays conducted in petriplates. Aqueous leaf extract of 25, 50 and 75% w/v sprays were given in two times at five day intervals viz., one-week and two-week old pot grown Parthenium seedlings under foliar spray bioassay method. The extracts on potted plants resulted in suppressed the seedling germination and the higher concentration of 50 and 75% leaf extracts was completely inhibited the seedling growth, shoot and root biomass and biochemical parameters, viz., Protein and chlorophyll content. The present study concludes that leaves of Mangifera indica L. and Azadiracta indica L contain potent herbicidal constituents for suppressing the growth of Parthenium weed.