Allelopathic potential of parthenium to reduce water absorption in germinating cowpea seeds

The fresh plant parts extracts of Parthenium were used to observe the effect on cowpea seeds, which showed the significant increase in seed germination and different seedling growth parameters viz., germinability (% seed germination), emergence index, relative seed germination, relative root elongation and seedling growth. Cent percent germination was observed on 7th day with the concentrations of 20%, on 3rd day with 40% and 60% root extract. The same was also observed with 20% of stem extract on 5th day and 100% germination was observed with only 10% and 20% leaf extract on 9th day. Only 80% germination was observed with flower extract on 12th day. The stimulatory effect was recorded on other germination and seedling growth parameters of cowpea. The promotory effect in order of Parthenium parts extracts was Root and Shoot>Leaf and Flower. Moreover, very little water was added with 20 to 100% concentrations as compared to control and other concentrations.