Effect of Leaf Leachates Different Tree Species on Germination and Growth of Various Agricultural Crops

Allelopathic effects of leaf extracts from four different tree species (Populus deltoides, Eucalyptus hybrid, Anthocephalus cadamba and Terminalia chebula) were evaluated against germination and growth of different agriculture crops (Triticum aestivum, Brassicajuncea and Lens culinaris). In germination bioassay, it was inferred that among the tested crops, wheat recorded the highest germination. In case of total seedling length and dry weight both stimulation and inhibition by extracts was observed when compared with control. The extracts from poplar, E. hybrid and T. chebula had a promotory effect on the seedling length of the crops whereas A. cadamba proved inhibitory to crops as compared to control. Maximum inhibition in seedling dry weight was observed with A. cadamba, whereas least effect was obtained due to E.hybrid. Based on the germination, seedling length and dry weight values for seed vigour index was calculated. SVI and SVI was maximum with wheat in the tested crops whereas among the leaf extracts it was maximum in E. hybrid. Based on the laboratory study, it is concluded that extracts from E. hybrid is better than other species and can be recommended as an associated species for large scale agroforestry plantations in future.