Evaluation of allelopathic effect of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk on biochemical activity of Amaranthus spinosus L., Cassia tora L. and Cassia sophera L.

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the magnitude of suppressing ability of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. on some selected weeds of Aligarh namely, Amaranthus spinosus L., Cassia tora L. and Cassia sophera L. The research finding was conducted to evaluate the effect of aqueous leaf leachate and organic fractions of donor plant on biochemical activities (carbohydrate content, chlorophyll content and protein content). The result shows that aqueous leachate and organic fractions reduced the level of biochemical activities. Carbohydrate content was increased in treated plants as compared to control while chlorophyll content and protein content were reduced as compared to the control. Aqueous leachate showed maximum toxicity on weeds than organic fractions. The reduction may be due to the allelochemicals present in E. alba leaves.

Key words: Allelochemicals, aqueous leachate, organic fractions, chlorophyll content, carbohydrate content, Eclipta alba.