Effects of Parthenium Hysterophorus Aqueous Extract on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Maize (Zea Mays), Gram (Cicer Arietinum) and Wheat (Triticum Aestivum)

Abstract

Present investigation was undertaken to study the Allelopathic effects of Parthemium hysterophorus extract on seed germination and seedling growth of Maize, Gram and Wheat. The applied seeds were treated with different concentration i.e. 2%, 4%, 6% of P. hysterophorus extract while another control set (untreated) was maintained for comparative study. Different parameters i.e. germination percentage, plumule, radicle length, fresh & dry weight and mortality percentage of germinated seeds have been observed. There was slow germination have shown in all the treated seeds after giving treatments except control and 2% level. After 2 days 4 and 6% concentration get started germination in all treated seeds. Eventually germination rate of all treated seeds recorded lowest in comparison to control. Lowest germination percentage (32%) was noticed in wheat at 6% level which is followed by 50% at 2% level. Seedling growth behavior was found better in 2% level at all concentrations in comparison to control. In most of the cases higher concentrations i.e. 4% and 6% showed negative results and inhibit the plumule and radicle length of treated seeds