Allelopathic effects of jute (Corchorus capsularis and C. olitorius) and sisal (Agave sisalana) leaf leachates on rice (Oryza sativa), wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Abstract

A study was conducted during 2007 to screen leaf leachates of jute (Corchorus capsularis L. and C. olitorius L.) and sisal (Agave sisalana Perrine) for allelochemicals effect on germination and seedling growth of some test plants. A rice (Oryza sativa L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emeond. Fiori & Paol.) and (greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) R. wilczek] allelochemicals present in the leachates inhibited differentially the germination and growth of the plants. Effect of allelochemicals on germination of the plants was less pronounced as compared to that on seedling growth. Highest inhibition on germination (paddy seeds by about 28% over control) and seedling vigour (about 48 – 62% vigour loss over the control) in the plants was recorded in case of Capsularis jute leaf extracts. Among the test plants, seedling growth of wheat was affected most by the leachates. Similar effect on germination and seedling growth of plants was also recorded when leaf samples were incorporated into soil (1: 10, w/w).