Effect of Extract of Lantana camara on Germination and Seedling Growth of Maize, Wheat and Blackgram

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the allelopathic potential of Lantana camara, an invasive weed known for its phenolic and aromatic alkaloid allelochemicals, for its effects on the seed germination and early seedling growth and vigour of three agricultural crops maize (Zea mays), wheat (Triticum aestivum) and blackgram (Vigna mungo). Materials and Methods: This study was conducted by treating the seeds with 20% aqueous extract of Lantana camara derived from equal proportions of mature plant parts (leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and fruits) and distilled water (control) and allowing them to germinate in the laboratory setup at Department of Agronomy, AAU, Jorhat. It was monitored for seven days followed by calculations of germination percentage (GP), germination speed index (GSI), radical and plumule lengths, and seedling vigour index-I. Results: Results showed that while GP of maize (30%) and wheat (100%) remained unaffected as compared to control, blackgram exhibited a 25% reduction in germination under extract treatment. The extract showed 59.93% and 26.07% inhibitory effect on seedling radical in wheat and maize seeds, respectively. Conversely, blackgram demonstrated stimulated root growth under extract exposure. The seedling vigour index-I varied from 9.18 (maize) to 63.8 (wheat) under 20% Lantana camara extract. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Lantana camara’s allelopathic effects are species-specific, with inhibitory effects on germination of blackgram seeds and root and shoot growth of maize and wheat.