Allelopathic Potential of Castor plant (Ricinus communis L.) Aqueous Extracts on Germination on Selected Crop Species.

Abstract

Weeds in agricultural system are becoming problem nowadays in which it reduces yield of many crops. Synthetic herbicides are usually used to control weed growth. Meanwhile, using herbicides creates hazardous impacts on agricultural products and also increases environmental pollution. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the allelopahatic potential of Castor plant (fresh leaves, dry leaves, seeds) aqueous extracts on germination rate, germination value indices and root growth on selected crop species. The inhibitory effects of allelochemicals might be used against weeds as a controlling tool for decreasing weed emergence in field conditions. The study consists of 4 treatments replicated 5 times within 7 days. Germination rate, germination value indices and root length were collected in the 7th day of the experiment. Data gathered were analyzed using one way ANOVA and tukey HSD for comparison. Based on the results, it shows that fresh leaves and seed aqueous extract had an allopathic effect on the seed germination and germination value of Zea mays L. and Solanum lycopersicum. In terms of root length inhibition, all treatments had an inhibition effect on the selected crop species. The result showed great potential for the natural herbicide from the determined parts of identified plant