African Journal of
Biotechnology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Biotechnol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1684-5315
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJB
  • Start Year: 2002
  • Published Articles: 12496

Full Length Research Paper

1International College, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Ladkrabang, Bangkok, 10520, Thailand. 2Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Science and Technology, Nakhonratchsima Rajabhat University, Thailand. 3Natural Products Research Unit, Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand. 4Major of Plant Pest Management Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Ladkrabang, Bangkok, 10520, Thailand

Sayeda Sarah1*, Farrukh Hussain2, Maryam Ehsan1 and Tanvir Burni1
1Department of Botany, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan. 2Centre of Plant Biodiversity, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 26 August 2011
  •  Published: 28 December 2011

Abstract

Polypogon monspeliensis L. Desf., (Rabbitfoot grass, Family Poaceae) an annual grass, is native to Europe, temperate Asia (Middle East, China, Japan and Russia), tropical Asia (India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka) and Africa. Allelopathic studies conducted by using aqueous extracts from various parts including shoots, inflorescences, litter and mulch in various experiments, invariably affected the germination, plumule growth, radical growth, number of seminal roots, fresh and dry weight of two wheat varieties viz. Uqab and Ghaznavi used as the test species. Phytotoxicity of extracts depended upon amount and soaking duration. Generally, shoots were more toxic than inflorescence, but 48 h extracts from inflorescence was more inhibitory at 48 h than 24 h extracts. Hot water extract was more inhibitory than aqueous extract obtained at room temperature. Added litter and mulch also proved to be inhibitory to the test species in pots. It is suggested that various assayed parts ofP. monopelinsis had strong allelopathic potential at least against the present test species. Further study is required to show its allelopathic behavior under field condition against its associated species and to identify the toxic principle.

 

Key words: Polypogon monspeliensis, inflorescence, extracts, allelopathy, phytotoxicity