2017 Vol.23 No.2 PP 341-349

ALLELOPATHIC EFFECTS OF PARTHENIUM HYSTEROPHORUS ON SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH IN CAJANUS CAJAN

G. S. THAKUR

Department of Botany ,
Government V.Y.T. P.G. (Autonomous) College,
DURG (C.G.) INDIA
*Corresponding Author : Email : gdsyma@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

In this study the allelopathic effects of Parthenium hysterophorus on seed germination and seedling growth in Cajanus cajan (Pigeon pea) was investigated. The dried powdered leaves of Parthenium hysterophorus were soaked in distilled water for 24 hours to obtain aqueous extract of leaves and sterilized seeds were treated with 2%, 4%, 6%,8%, and 10% concentration of extract in triplicate. The germinated seeds were counted every day to observe germination index (G.I.) and mean germination time (MGT). It has been found that germination index (GI) were significantly decreased and MGT were delayed to germinate with increasing concentration. It has been observed that seed germination percentage, root length, shoot length and seedling vigor index were reduced at >2% as compared to control. The 10 % aqueous extract showed completely inhibitory effect on seed germination. The present investigation showed that the leaves aqueous extract of Parthenium hysterophorus had inhibiting effects on seed germination and seedling growth in Cajanus cajan (Pigeon pea).

Key words : Allelopathy, Aqueous extract, Cajanus cajan, Mean germination time, Parthenium hysterophorus, Seed germination, Seedling vigor index.