A Comparison of Phytotoxic Potential among the Crude Extracts from Parthenium hysterophorus L. Extracted with Solvents of Increasing Polarity

There is a worldwide search for the safe, effective and eco-friendly compounds of plant origin to combat the weed species and other pests which are responsible for the great impact on the growth and productivity of agricultural crops. In this present study, a comparison was made to evaluate the phytotoxicity potential of sequentially extracted solvent (hexane, ethyl-acetate, methanol) extracts of Parthenium hysterophorus L. (aerial parts) in vitro through bench-top seed germination assay (Vigna radiata L.). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT) were done for statistical analysis of the data. The study reveals that germination, growth and vigour was significantly (P<0.05) reduced by ethyl-acetate and methanol extracts. The present study concluded that phytotoxicity of ethylacetate and methanolic crude extracts of Parthenium hysterophorus could be exploited as potential bioherbicide for future weed management programme and the development of bioherbicide for commercial use.