Abstract

Allelopathic performance of the aqueous extract of bark of Terminalia arjuna on Cassia sophera was evaluated under laboratory conditions. Aqueous extract of bark were prepared at different concentrations of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10%. Ten seeds of test plant were kept for germination in sterilized Petri dishes of 9 cm diameter lined double with double layer of blotting paper moistened with different concentrations of aqueous extract (2 to 10%) and distilled water. Each treatment had three replicates. The experiment was recorded for 15 days. It was observed that aqueous extract reduced the germination, plumule and radicle length. Phytotoxicity of extract depends upon concentration. However, extract at higher concentration (10%) had strong inhibitory effect on germination and seedling growth of test species. From this we can suggest that T. arjuna may be a source of natural weedicide and can be used for controlling invasive plants.

Key words: Allelopathy, aqueous extract, Terminalia arjuna, Cassia sophera.