Allelopathic Effects Of Aqueous And Methanolic Extracts From Ageratum Conyzoides L. On The Germination Of Selected Vegetables

This study investigates the impact of Ageratum conyzoides leaf and root extracts, both aqueous and methanol, and their profound influence on the germination, shoot elongation, and root growth of eight diverse vegetable crops. Control groups treated with water exhibited robust germination rates, ranging from 80.00% to 88.00%. However, the introduction of aqueous leaf extracts (AQE) triggered a concentration-dependent decline in germination, with some crops, like A. esculentus, plummeting to as low as 30.00% at a 5% concentration. Methanolic leaf extracts (MTE) exhibited variable effects on germination, with certain species, such as A. esculentus and S. melongena, maintaining relatively higher germination rates at 20% MTE. Both leaf extracts manifested phytotoxic impacts, with AQE generally exerting a more pronounced influence. The extent of inhibition diverged among species, implying distinct sensitivities to the extracts’ phytochemical constituents. This study also scrutinized shoot elongation and root growth, revealing dose-dependent inhibitory effects of both AQE and MTE across various crops, highlighting varying levels of sensitivity among different species. Additionally, the study underscores the possible role of phenolic compounds in mediating these inhibitory, aligning with previous research findings. In summary, this investigation highlights the potential of A. conyzoides extracts as growth regulators and bioherbicides in agriculture but emphasizes the necessity for tailored application strategies and precise dosage control to optimize their benefits while safeguarding crop development.