Allelopathic Potential of Imperata cylindrica on the Growth and Germination of Zea mays

Abstract

Allelopathy is regarded as any process whereby secondary metabolites produced by plants influence the growth and development of agricultural and biological systems performing positive and negative effects. Imperata cylindrical is one of the top ten worst weeds and is listed among the world’s top 100 worst invasive alien species. To access the allelopathic potential of Imperata cylindrica on the germination and growth of Zea mays, Zea mays was treated with different concentrations of aqueous extract of Imperata cylindrica. The treatment was laid out in completely randomized designs with five treatments and 3 replications. Results indicated that the highest germination percentage was recorded from control whereas the lowest was at 20% concentration level. There was no significant difference in seed germination, root length, shoot length, seedling length, and vigor index between the treatments (P>0.05) when compared to the control. Crop residues of Imperata cylindrica could be spread on wastelands, resulting in the leaching of allelochemicals that would reduce the seed germination and consequently the population of weeds.