Allelopathic Effects of Jimsonweed (Datua Stramonium L.) Seed on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Some Leguminous Crops

Abstract

Laboratory and greenhouse experiments were carried out at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Gezira, Sudan in season 2014/15. Laboratory experiments were conducted to study the allelopathic effect of aqueous extract of Jimsonweed (Datua stramonium L.) seed on seed germination of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), cowpea (Vigna sinensis [L.] Walp.), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan [L.] Millsp.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Six concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%) of the aqueous extract were prepared from the stock solution. Treatments, for each crop, were arranged in completely randomized design with four replicates. The seeds were examined for germination at three days after initial germination. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to study the allelopathic effect of Jimsonweed seed powder on seedling growth of the same crops. Seed powder was incorporated into the soil at rate of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% on w/w biases in pots. Treatments, for each crop, were arranged in completely randomized design with four replicates. Experiments were terminated at 30 days after sowing and plant height, number of leaves and root length of crop seedlings were measured as well as plant fresh and dry weight. Data were collected and subjected to analysis of variance procedure. Means were separated for significance using Duncan`s Multiple Range Test at p £ 0.5. The results showed that the aqueous extract of Jimsonweed significantly reduced seed germination of the tested leguminous crops and there was direct negative relationship between concentration seed germination. Also, the results showed that incorporating seed powder into the soil significantly decreased plant height, root length of crop seedlings as well as seedling fresh and dry weight. In addition, the reduction in seedling growth was increased as seed powder increased in the soil. However, the number leaves did not affected. It concludes that Jimsonweed has allelopathic affects on seed germination and seedling growth of the leguminous crops.