Abstract
Laboratory and green house experiments were conducted to ascertain the effect of exudates (from the vegetative parts of the weeds soaked in water) of different ages (36hrs, 72hrs and 120hrs) from three common weed species (namely, Chromolaena odorata, Ageratum conyzoides and Cyperus esculentus) on the seed germination and seedling growth of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum). Tomato seeds were sown in petri-dishes on filter paper moistened with the treatments, and another set of tomato seeds were sown in soil, and treatments applied. The exudates of C. odorata had the greatest inhibitory effect on seed germination on filter paper, while those of A. conyzoides followed closely. C. esculentus had the least inhibitory effect. The weed exudates however did not have marked inhibition on seed germination and seedling growth in the soil medium; rather, they competed favorably with the Control. It was observed that the longer the soaking duration of the weeds in water, the less inhibitory their exudates were on seed germination, with water dilution. All the three weed species considered showed allelopathic effects, but especially C. odorata and A. conyzoides when in direct contact with tomato seeds
Highlights
Weed management has been a challenge, and its management with the use of herbicides is fast becoming least desired because of the pressure from society for healthier farm produce Kong (2010)
For the production of the exudates, the weeds: Cyperus esculentus, Chromoleana odorata and Ageratum conyzoides were collected by uprooting in the Teaching and Research
These different durations of soaking the weed species constitute the treatments which were administered on the tomato seeds
Summary
Weed management has been a challenge, and its management with the use of herbicides is fast becoming least desired because of the pressure from society for healthier farm produce Kong (2010). Allelopathic Effect of Three Weed Species on The Germination and Seedling Growth of Tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum) concentration in the allelopathic plants, and how susceptible those around it are Koocheki et al (2001). On the other hand, is considered one of the fast-germinating plants that is sensitive to secondary metabolites in the environment, so it can be used as a bioindicator of weed allelopathic activity Ferreira and Áquila (2000), Cândido et al. The aim of this study is to identify possible allelopathic effects of three different strengths of exudates from the weeds: Cyperus esculentus Lin. Linn (Billy goat weed), on seed germination and seedling growth of Lycopersicum esculentum L. Linn (Billy goat weed), on seed germination and seedling growth of Lycopersicum esculentum L. (tomato)
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