PJB-2023-550
Allelopathic evaluation of Acacia species against seed germination and seedling growth of four economically important crops
Zahid Mehmood
Abstract
Abstract
Some plants use allelopathy to compete against neighboring plants as plants can save costs of metabolite production in the absence of competitors. Several Acacia species have been shown the allelopathic effects which could potentially affect the crop production. This study aimed at evaluating the allelopathic potential of 3 Acacia species (A. nilotica, A. catechu and A. modesta) leaf extracts on seed germination and seedling growth of 4 economic crops (wheat, millet, spinach and sorghum). Leaf extract of A. modesta showed inhibition on seed germination of millet and wheat, while A. catechu showed inhibition in seed germination of millet at 3 concentrations (1%, 3% and 5%). A. nilotica showed stimulatory as well as inhibitory effects on the seed germination of all test crops. On the other hand, leaf extract of A. catechu showed comparatively higher inhibitory effects against the seedling growth of all test species. A. modesta showed inhibition on the seedling growth of hypocotyl and radicle of spinach at all concentrations while showed various stimulatory and inhibitory effects on hypocotyl and radicle of all crop species. All three concentrations of A. nilotica extract showed stimulation on the seedling growth for hypocotyl of sorghum and millet while reduction for hypocotyl of wheat and inhibition for radical of sorghum, millet and wheat. The results indicate that A. catechu has more inhibitory effects on the seed germination and seedling growth so it should be kept away from crops due to its adverse effects.
Key words: Radicle, inhibition, Leaf extract, Hypocotyl, Stimulation.
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