Allelopathic Effect of Aqueous Extracts of Lantana camaraand Chromolaenaodorata on Germination and Seedling Growth of Leucaenaleucocephala

The effect of aqueous extracts of leaf and stem of Lantana camara and Chromolaena odorata at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 % on germination and seedling growth of Leucaena leucocephala were investigated under laboratory conditions. Results of the study revealed that aqueous extracts of the two donor plants caused significant inhibitory effect on germination, shoot and root length of seedling of Leucaena leucocephala. The leaves of the two donor plants were more inhibitory to germination and seedling growth of Leucaena leucocephala than their stems. Inhibitory effect of extract of Chromolaena odorata leaf was higher than Lantana camara leaf extract, but inhibitory effect of their stem was not significantly different. The inhibitory effect was proportional to the concentrations of the extract and higher concentrations had the stronger effect while the lower concentration of 25 % showed stimulatory effect in some cases. The study also revealed that inhibitory effect was more pronounced in root elongation rather than shoot elongation.