Allelopathic Effects of Homestead agroforestry Tree Leaf Litter on the Sprouting and Early Growth in Elephant Foot Yam (Amorphophallus paeniifolius)

Abstract

The allelopathic effects of eight selected agroforestry tree litter on the sprouting and early growth of the understorey tuber crop, elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeniifolius) were examined during 2014-’15. Litter leachates at 2% concentration and litter mulch were used for the study and it was found that the effects of litter mulch were significant on sprouting and seedling growth while with the leachate, significant effects were recorded only on shoot growth and leaf production. The effects varied with species, tamarind and wild jack recorded maximum inhibition both as leachate and mulch. Litter of rubber, mango and jack showed stimulatory effects thus bringing to light their potential to be used as organic inputs in elephant foot yam cultivation.