Allelopathic Effect of Aqueous Extract of Mikenia micrantha (L.) Kunth on Seed Germination, Seedling Growth and Biochemical Quality of Triticum aestivum Linn.

In order to evaluate the allelopathic potential of Mikenia micrantha (L.) Kunth, the effects of aqueous extracts (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% v/v) prepared from fresh leaves of M. micrantha were studied on the seed germination and seedling growth and biochemical analysis of Triticum aestivum L (wheat). Results showed different concentrations of aqueous leaf extracts caused significant inhibitory effect on germination, root and shoot elongation and biochemical quality of receptor crop. Data also revealed that the inhibitory effect was proportional to the concentrations of the extracts and higher concentration had the stronger inhibitory effect whereas the lower concentration (0.5%) had almost a neutral effect on seed germiantion and root and shoot growth. The inhibitory effect was much pronounced in seed germination, shoot development and biochemical parameters rather than root development. The results demonstrate that the aqueous extracts from Mikenia micrantha have allelopathic potential and should be evaluated as an allelopathic species, presenting a risk or advantage to seed germination and seedling growth of crop or weed plants.