Impact of Parthenium hysterophorus leaf extract on seed germination and seedling growth in mung bean and finger millet

Abstract

The present study aimed to estimate the allelopathic effect of Parthenium hysterophorus on seed germination and seedling growth of green gram and ragi. The concentrations used were 0, 2, 3, and 5% leaf extract of Parthenium hysterophorus. The 5% concentration significantly inhibited the germination of both green gram and ragi seeds compared to the control (0%), 2, and 3% concentrations of the aqueous leaf extract of Parthenium hysterophorus. At higher concentrations, there was a reduction in seed germination, shoot length, root length, and overall biomass production. It was found that higher concentrations of Parthenium hysterophorus leaf extract in green gram and ragi plants hurt their growth, root length, shoot length, and biomass production compared to the control group. The leaf extract has a stronger inhibitory effect on root growth than the shoot growth. Ragi exhibits a higher tolerance level to parthenium allelopathy in crops compared to green gram.