Abstract

The allelopathic effects of powdered extracts from residues of sorghum stem and maize inflorescence on the germination and growth of Euphorbia heterophylla L were examined. The extracts brought about considerable inhibitions to all growth parameters of the extract-treated seeds. The degree of inhibition increased with the concentration of the extracts showing that the inhibition was concentration dependent. In E. heterophylla seeds treated with maize inflorescence, the degree of inhibition appeared to be more pronounced on the coefficient of velocity (COV), number of leaves at harvest and relative growth rates. Also in sorghum stem extract treated seeds, the degree of inhibition was more pronounced on the germination percentage, leaf area, dry root and shoot weights. Statistical analysis, at 5% significant level, revealed that there were significant differences in germination percentage, COV, leaf area and relative growth rates of E. heterophylla seedlings from seeds treated with powdered extracts from residues of sorghum stem when compared to the results obtained in the control experiments. Similarly, significant differences were observed in the number of leaves, leaf areas and the relative growth rate of E. heterophylla seedlings derived from seeds treated with extracts from maize inflorescence when compared to the control. However, there were no significant differences in the germination percentage and COV of maize inflorescence extract-treated seeds as well as the number of leaves at harvest in the sorghum stems extract-treated seeds compared to control experiments.

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