Evaluation of allelopathic potential of some selected medicinal species

Abstract

Laboratory trials were made to evaluate the allelopathic potential of selected medicinal species. The aqueous extracts bioassay on two test plants (wheat and pea) was carried out through filter paper method. Toxicity and non toxicity was assessed by recording their effects on germination and percentage growth of radicle and plumule of test plants. The trials were replicated three times in Randomized Complete Split Block Design. The data was analyzed by using software SPSS v II. The results suggested that Sonchus asper and Melilotus officinalis stimulate the growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum) up to 150% of plumule and 40% of radicle. These species had significantly enhanced effect on the percentage growth of test plant. The inhibitory effect was more on the wheat, by aqueous extractions of Sisymbrium irio, Cannabis sativus and Oxalis corniculata. The growth of wheat was more enhanced in the aqueous extractions of Gallium aperine and Ageratum conizoides, almost 150% of radicle. But the most inhibitory and retarded effect was observed in case of S. irio, O. corniculata, Rumex dentatus and Parthenium hysterophorus.

Key words: Allelopathy, medicinal species, filter paper.