ALLELOPATHIC POTENTIAL OF PARTHENIUM HYSTEROPHORUS ON SEED GERMINATION, GROWTH AND DRY MATTER PRODUCTION IN CASSIA TORA

摘要

Allelopathic effects of Parthenium hysterophorus was studied in terms of effects of aqueous extracts from inflorescences, stem and leaves of the plant on the seed germination and seedling growth in Cassia tora, common wasteland associated weed species of the area. Reduction in the percentage of seed germination and growth of radicle and plumule of the seedlings was recorded in all the treatments. The degree of inhibition was dependent of the concentration of the extract. Similar inhibitory effects was also recorded in the form of reduction in the dry weight of the seedlings. Leaf extract was more inhibitory than inflorescence and stem extracts. Presence of inhibitory chemicals like Parthenin, Caffeic acid and P - Goumaric acid in higher concentrations in the leaves might be the reason for such differential behaviour of the extracts.