Allelopathic Effect of Common Weeds on Aromatic Rice Seed Germination and Seedling Development

Abstract

This study reveals that the allelopathic effect of aqueous solution of whole plant of commonly found four weeds, Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen, Ageratum conyzoides L., Chromolaena odorata (L.) King & Rob. and Solanum nigrum L., which are from Asteraceae and Solanaceae family respectively. On seed germination and early growth analysis of aromatic rice, we took four landraces, which were Radhunipagal, Kataribhog, Kalonunia and Lal-Badshabhog, each ware treated with above mentioned weed aqueous solution with two different concentrations, (50mg/ml and 100mg/ml) with a control treatment. All the study has been done under ideal laboratory condition. After five days of incubation, seed germination percentage and root, shoot length have been taken. Results demonstrate that weeds except Ageratum conyzoides @50mg/ml significantly reduce germination percentage and early growth of aromatic rice landraces. The research provides valuable insights for sustainable weed management in rice fields by emphasizing the need to control allelopathic weeds early. Overall, it may be much helpful to understand weed-plant interactions in agro-ecosystems and develop eco-friendly weed management strategies as well as preserving Indian traditional rice varieties.