Effect of Root and Leaf Extract of Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.) King &H. Rob on the Germination of Seeds of Okra and Sorghum

Abstract

Background: The allelopathic activity of a weed common in the Raigad and Poona districts, the Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.) King & H. Rob was studied as an effect on the germination of seeds of Okra and Sorghum.

Methods/ Statistical analysis: A laboratory experiment was conducted using the leaf and root extracts with varying bioassay concentrations. Aqueous extract and Ethanol extracts with the concentrations of 10%, 20%, 40%,80% and 100% of the plant material was prepared. A seed germination test with the aqueous extract and ethanol extracts were carried out. Pure water and 10% ethanol was used as control for comparison. A statistical interpretation was carried out on the basis of number of germination of seeds in the period of 15 days. 

Findings: This experiment shows that there was a positive impact of root extracts and leaf extracts on the germination of seeds and growth of seedlings. The allelochemicals released by A. adenophora have inhibitory effects on the germination of Okra and Sorghum seeds. The alkaloids and phenolic compounds are responsible to inhibit and reduced the germination of the seeds of Okra and Sorghum. Ethanol extract shows the negative impact on seed germination in the concentration more than 40%. Aqueous extract of the plants also shows more impact on germination of both the plants.

Applications: Ageratina adenophora is spreading very fast in the forest and wasteland areas. If the weed invade in the agricultural fields then it may cause a severe impact on the productivity of the vegetable and crops