Allelopathic influence of Ocimum tenuiflorum (L.) Merr. on germination and seedling growth of wheat genotypes

Abstract

The aqueous leaf extracts of Ocimum tenuiflorum (L.) Merr. showed inhibitory effects on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat was investigated. The result showed that the extracts brought about considerable inhibition in the germination of wheat seeds and in the growth of its root and shoot. On the basis of value of per cent reduction in seed germination, germination relative index and vigour index, the inhibitory effect of different leaf extracts was maximum in susceptible genotypes (K-1317 and GW322) followed by tolerant genotypes (HD 2967 & HD 2733). The root and shoot length and root and shoot dry weight declined with increase in the concentration of leaf extracts of Ocimum tenuiflorum (Krishna Tusli). The results indicated that the allelopathic effect of aqueous leaf extracts of Ocimum tenuiflorum was maximum in terms of all physiological parameters.