Abstract:
Cenchrus ciliaris L., a perennial range grass, is also a weed of cultivated fields in the plains of Pakistan. The growth of Capsicum annuum, Setaria itelica, Zea mays, Lactuca sativa, Lycopersicon esculentum and Pennisetum americanum was significantly retarded in root-mixed conditions by Cenchrus; while the latter two species simultaneously slightly arrested the growth of Cenchrus. Aqueous extracts from shoots and roots, root exudates, soil beneath the grass and artificially decomposed litter invariably reduced germination, radicle growth, fresh and dry mass of Pennisetum americanum, Setaria italica, Lactuca sativa and Brassica campestris in the bioassays. The allelopathic effects, however, depended upon the part assayed, species used and physiological process involved. It is, therefore, suggested that this grass would not be beneficial as a nurse crop due to allelopathy. The litter, therefore, must be removed from the fields during weeding.
Page(s):
269-275
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Research, Volume: 2, Issue: 4, Year: 1981