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Abstract

ABSTRACT The present study investigated the in vivo allelopathic effects of selected Himalayan medicinal plants on germination and early seedling growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted using aqueous extracts (5%, 10%, and 20%) prepared from five medicinal species: Mentha piperita, Satureja hortensis, Bidens pilosa, Hibiscus sabdariffa, and Thymus vulgaris. Germination percentage, root length, shoot length, and biomass accumulation were recorded after 14 days. All treatments significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced germination and growth parameters compared to control. Maximum germination inhibition (78%) and root suppression (88%) were recorded under Mentha piperita at 20% concentration. Root growth was more severely affected than shoot growth in all treatments. Biomass accumulation decreased significantly, with maximum dry weight reduction (76%) observed under Mentha piperita treatment. The inhibitory effects were concentration-dependent. The findings confirm strong allelopathic potential of the tested species and highlight their possible application as eco-friendly bioherbicides for sustainable weed management. Keywords: Allelopathy, bioherbicide, medicinal plants, Triticum aestivum, phytotoxicity.

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