Allelopathic Effects of Guizotia Abyssinica On Seed Germination of Horse Gram

The aim of this work is to study the crop-crop interaction between Niger and horse gram crops. In this connection we evaluated the allelopathic effects Guizotia abyssinica aqueous extracts on seed germination of horse gram using different methods such as soaking method, root exudates and different stages of plant and plant residues. The results showed that the per cent germination of horse gram seeds is significantly inhibited by 10% and 5 % concentration of G. abyssinica root and shoot extracts. Lower concentrations of the extract stimulated the germination of horse gram seeds. Shoot extract was found to be more potent that root extracts. Seed soaking method results revealed that 24 h soaking period affected the germination to a higher degree followed by 12 h and 6 h. The extracts prepared from mature plants significantly inhibited germination of horse gram seeds. The root exudates collected at the age of 15 days was exhibited inhibitory activity followed by 10 and 5 days old exudates. The effect of root and shoot residues of Niger plant demonstrated concentration dependant inhibitory activity. Shoot residue was found to be more effective than root. From the present study it is quite evident that, the extracts of shoot and roots, root exudates and residues of G. abyssinica are more effective in reducing the germination and growth of horse gram.