Ash of Parthenium Hysterophorus L. is Harmful for Seed Germination and Growth of Seedlings of Cajanus cajan L.

Author Raj Shikha
Co-Author A.K.Jha
DOI

Country : India
Subject : Botany

Keywords : Ash, Parthenium hysterophorus, Cajanus cajan, Phytotoxicity, Seed germination

Abstract

In laboratory condition phytotoxicity levels of ash of whole plant of Parthenium hysterophorus on the rate of seed germination, length of root and shoot and Seed Vigour Index (SVI) of Cajanus cajan was evaluated. The different concentrations of ash of Parthenium in the experiment were 1%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. A control condition was maintained also. Ten seeds of C.cajan were placed in each petridishes with ten replicates. The percent decrease in seed germination, relation elongation ratio of root and shoot in different concentrations, respectively, ranged from 3.57% to 94.64%; 0.10% to 48.74% and 0.41% to 61.11%. The percent decrease in root length and shoot length values ranged from 51.26% to 99.90% and 38.89% to 99.59%, respectively. The fresh and dry weight of root and shoot values decreased by 10 to 100%; 14.29 to 100%; 47.27 to 98.18%; and 55.56 to 100%, respectively. The root:shoot ratio value decreased by 20.15 to 79.85% whereas the SVI value decreased by 47.90% to 99.99%. The present study indicated that with increase in concentration of ash the rate of seed germination and growth of seedlings decreased. Thus burning of Parthenium in agricultural fields by harmful for crops.

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