Allelopathic effect of Lantana camara and Chromolaena odorata leaf extracts on plant germination

Allelopathyis a biological process where plants affect, often inhibitory, the growth and germination of other species within their space. This study aimed to demonstrate and compare the allelopathic effect of Lantana camaraand Chromolaena odorataleaf extracts on plant germination, with Vigna radiataas the test plant. Leaf extracts were assayed at 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% concentrations, and the corresponding allelopathic effects were compared to that of control. Findings indicated that L. camaraand C. odorataleaf extracts inhibited V. radiataseedling growth and germination in increasing concentrations, with C. odorataleaf extract exhibiting greater inhibitory effect. The estimated marginal mean lengths (in cm) of root, hypocotyl, and epicotyl of V. radiataare 0.917, 5.937, and 3.263 under the control; 0.195, 0.813, and 0.499 under L. camara; and 0.101, 0.217, and 0.051 under C. odorata, respectively. Phytochemical analysis showed presence of several allelochemicals in both leaf extracts. These compounds were suspected to be the primary drivers of the observed allelopathic effect. It is suggested that the quantitative phytochemical analysis and herbicidal properties of L. camaraand C. odoratabe studied further.