DefinePK

Abstract

Various weeds, through their stubbles and residues, may suppress germination and growth of economic crops by releasing many phyto-chemicals directly or after decomposition into the environment. This trial was carried out to investigate phytotoxicity of ten weeds on maize. A Laboratory experiment, was carried out at post graduate laboratory, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture., Gomal University, D. I. Khan KPK., Pakistan. The trial was conducted in pots under controlled laboratory conditions using a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement. Fresh and dry biomass (100 g) of ten different weed species was mixed with sterilized soil to evaluate their allelopathic effects on maize germination and seedling growth. Our results revealed that all phyto-amendments (Fresh or dry biomasses) of weeds suppressed the germination metrics, coleoptile length, shoot & root sizes. Our study revealed the beneficial effect of Senji (Melilotus indica) on shoot size, dry weight, root fresh weight, and root dry weight compared to other weeds. In addition, weeds like Pohli (Carthamus oxyacantha), Aak (Calotropis procera), Jangli palak (Rumex dentatus), Bhathu (Chenopodium album), Lehli (Convolvulus arvensis), Gajarbooti (Parthenium hysterophorus), Deela grass (Cyperus rotundus), Jangli jai (Avena fatua), Billi booti (Anagallis arvensis) have lethal effect on germination and seedling growth of maize. Based our results, it was concluded that all weeds had a toxic effect on germination but after decomposing, Senji have stimulatory impact on maize seedling growth.