Abstract

Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate allelopathic action of fourteen selected medicinal plants of semi-arid plain areas on lettuce growth through Sandwich method. Toxic (inhibitory) and non-toxic (stimulatory) effects were assessed by recording their effect on germination, radicle and percentage growth of hypocotyl. Both were examined for hypocotyl growth of lettuce seeds under the influence of leaves. However, the extent of inhibitory and stimulatory effect of leaves varied with the plant species. The results showed that Albizia lebbeck and Broussonetia papyrifera have strong inhibitory effect on radical and hypocotyl growth of lettuce.

Key words: Allelopathy, medicinal plants, sandwich method, Albizia lebbeck,Broussonetia papyrifera.