Allelopathic Influence of Aqueous Extract of Some Selected Weeds on Seed Germination and Growth of Cultivated Species (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the allelopathic influence of two selected weeds viz., Lantana camara (L.) and Achyranthes aspera (L.) on the germination and growth behavior of Oryza sativa (L.) in the laboratory condition. The weed powders toxicity causing inhibitory effects on germination and growth of paddy crop were observed. It was demonstrated that different weed species responded differently to the paddy. The results revealed that different Concentrations (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) of leaves extracts of Achyranthes aspera (L.) and Lantana camara (L.) caused significant inhibitory effect on germination, root and shoot elongation of paddy (Oryza sativa L.) seeds at the end of 15 day incubation period whereas maximum germination was observed in water control. Bioassays also indicate that the inhibitory effect was proportional to the concentrations of the extracts. The germination percentage decreased with increase in extract concentration of Achyranthus aspera (L) and Lantana camara (L.) and the conclusion of the investigation is that Achyranthes aspera (L.) showed more inhibitory effect in comparison to Lantana camara (L.).