Allelopathic Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extracts of Datura metel L. on Parthenium hysterophorus L.

Abstract

Herbicidal activity of Datura metel L. was investigated against the noxious weed Parthenium hysterophorus L. In a laboratory bioassay, the effect of aqueous leaf extracts of 0, 25, 50 and 75% w/v were tested. It caused maximum inhibition of germination and early seedling growth and fresh weight of Parthenium. In foliar spray bioassay of Datura metel L. aqueous leaf extract of 25, 50 and 75% w/v at two subsequent sprays were given at five day intervals on one-week and two-week old pots grown Parthenium seedlings. It caused 25% concentration of leaf extract was stimulated and higher concentration of 50 and 75% leaf extracts was completely inhibited the seedling growth and shoot and root biomass and biochemical parameters, viz. Protein and chlorophyll were also measured to evaluate of Parthenium. The present study concludes that leaves of Datura metel L. contain herbicidal constituents for the management of Parthenium.