Phytotoxicity of different organic mulches on emergence and seedling growth of goosegrass (Eleusine indica)

The presence of abundant agricultural residues in Malaysia prompted the need to utilise these wastes to overcome environmental pollution. This study was conducted to determine the effects of organic mulches from the crop residues of oil palm, rice, coconut and pineapple on the shoot emergence and seedling growth of goosegrass (Eleusine indica). It was found that mulches from oil palm (frond, leaflet and rachis) and rice (husk) residues exhibited phytotoxic effects on goosegrass at different degrees of potency. The emergence and shoot fresh weight of goosegrass were inhibited by 85 – 100% when treated with oil palm residues at 3 t/ha. Comparatively, the rice husk exhibited 70 – 80% inhibitory effects at the same rate. The present findings suggest the possibility of using oil palm frond residues as organic mulches for the weed management programme.