Vol. 8, Issue 6 (2019)

Author(s):
Andhare Aishwarya A

Abstract:
A study was conducted with aim to evaluate the bio-herbicidal potential of ethanolic extracts of Abutilon indicum, Tephrosia purpurea, Prosopis juliflora, Cassia occidentalis on growth and germination of invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus. The effect on seed germination and seedling growth was assayed by using Agar germination media. Preparation of plant extract was done by using ethanol. Ethanolic Plant Extracts were tested separately for germination of Parthenium seed. The test was performed for 11 days. Plant extracts were made with 25% Ethanol and has shown significant reduction in total germination percent (GP), germination index (GI), germination energy (GE), speed of emergence (SE) and seedling vigour index (SVI) of Parthenium hysterophorus. Result revealed that Prosopis juliflora and Cassia occidentalis has strong phytotoxic properties as compared with Abutilon indicum, Tephrosia purpurea. After prolonged comparative study, all four plant extracts has shown a good phytotoxic property towards Parthenium hysterophorus. Isolation and characterization of those phytotoxic substances from these plants may act as a tool for new natural, biodegradable herbicide development to manage invasive weeds like Parthenium hysterophorus.