Allelopathic potential of <i>Polypogon monspeliensis</i> L. against two cultivars of wheat

Abstract

Polypogon monspeliensis L. Desf., (Rabbitfoot grass, Family Poaceae) an annual grass, is native to Europe, temperate Asia (Middle East, China, Japan and Russia), tropical Asia (India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka) and Africa. Allelopathic studies conducted by using aqueous extracts from various parts including shoots, inflorescences, litter and mulch in various experiments, invariably affected the germination, plumule growth, radical growth, number of seminal roots, fresh and dry weight of two wheat varieties viz. Uqab and Ghaznavi used as the test species. Phytotoxicity of extracts depended upon amount and soaking duration. Generally, shoots were more toxic than inflorescence, but 48 h extracts from inflorescence was more inhibitory at 48 h than 24 h extracts. Hot water extract was more inhibitory than aqueous extract obtained at room temperature. Added litter and mulch also proved to be inhibitory to the test species in pots. It is suggested that various assayed parts of P. monopelinsis had strong allelopathic potential at least against the present test species. Further study is required to show its allelopathic behavior under field condition against its associated species and to identify the toxic principle.

Key words: Polypogon monspeliensis, inflorescence, extracts, allelopathy, phytotoxicity.