Mayank Varun, Parama Majumdar, Rohan J. D’Souza and Mousumi Bhowal
Published in Vol.16, 2026
KEYWORDS: Allelochemicals, Allelopathy, Hordeum vulgare, Parthenium hysterophorus
ABSTRACT:
Weeds can limit the growth and survival characteristics of agricultural crops. Direct effects involve factors such as light, nutrients, water, and space, while indirect effects primarily involve allelopathy. In the present investigation, an experimental study was conducted to evaluate and compare the allelopathic impact of some common weeds viz. Calotropis procera, Chenopodium album, Lantana camara and Parthenium hysterophorus. Seeds were collected from different wasteland areas of Nagpur. Germination percentage, germination velocity index and percentage viability of fresh, 6 and 12 months old weed seeds were calculated and compare to study the effect of storage period on these parameters. Further, for phytotoxic evaluation, germination study was conducted using barley seed. Aqueous root and leaf extract (50% and 100%) of weeds were prepared and tested against barley. Growth parameters like germination percentage, mortality, root, shoot length and biomass were also measured. Viability percentage was found to be inversely proportional to storage period in all plants except P. hysterophorus. The germination percentage trend based on storage period (except P. hysterophorus) was observed as; Fresh > 6 months > 12 months old seeds. Leaf extract showed more inhibitory effect on seed germination as compared to root extract. The overall trend of effect on root length, shoot length, and biomass inhibition was found in the order Parthenium hysterophorus > Calotropis procera > Lantana camara > Chenopodium album. All the tested weeds under study, showed allelopathic potential exhibited by inhibitory effect on seed germination, root length, shoot length and biomass.