Allelopathic Potential of Aerial Parts from Mikania scandens (L.) Willd.

Abstract: The present study aimed the evaluation of allelopathic effect of hydroalcoholic extract from the aerial parts of Mikania scandens (L.) Willd. (Asteraceae); against the germination and radicle growth of Cicer arietinum and Triticum aestivum seeds. The extract at different concentrations was incubated in controlled conditions with the surface sterilized seeds of C. arietinum and T. aestivum and observed periodically for seed germination and radicle growth to assess the allelopathic behaviour. The extract mainly at higher concentrations demonstrated promising allelopathic potential by significantly affecting seed germination and radicle elongation of both C. arietinum and T. aestivum in a concentration dependent manner. T. aestivum was found to be more sensitive than C. arietinum. The present study demonstrated remarkable allelopathic potential of M. scandens aerial parts against the test seeds. The effect was plausibly due to the alkaloids and flavonoids present in the aerial parts of M. scandens. Key words: Allelopathic Mikania scandens Cicer arietinum Triticum aestivum Aerial parts