Allelopathic Impacts of an Agroforestry Tree Species (Streblus asper Lour.) on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Chickpea

Abstract

Background: Agroforestry might be a better strategy for sustainable land use and crop production. Allelopathic effect of Streblus asper Lour. (Moraceae) an agroforestry tree species was documented on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seed germination and seedling growth. Methods: The present study was conducted to evaluate the allelopathic potentialities of different concentrations (0.125%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.5% and 5%) of aqueous leaf extracts of S. asper on seed germination and seedling growth in laboratory based experiments. The allelopathic potentialities were studied based on seed germination, germination rate, root length, shoot length, biomass, seed vigor index etc. Result: The inhibitory effect was more pronounced with the increasing concentrations of aqueous extracts. 5% aqueous leaf extracts showed a maximum inhibitory effect on seed germination, root length, shoot length, dry weight of root and shoot as compared to control. Based on the allelopathic index, concentrations of 5% aqueous extract showed a strong inhibitory effect. Aqueous leaf extracts contain water-soluble allelochemicals which affect the seed germination and seedling growth. The inhibitory allelopathic effect can be taken as serious consideration before plantation of chickpea in an association of this tree species because of its inhibitory effect on seed germination and early stages of development.