Effect of leaf, stem and root extract of alfalfa (Melilotus indicus) on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum)

ABSTRACT: Allelopathy is an important mechanism of plant competition by producing phytotoxins to the plant environment to decline other plant growth and development. Concentration of plant residue could influence the toxicity intensity of released allelochemicals in the environment. In this study we investigate the effect of leaf, stem and root water extract (10, 30, and 50 g/l) of Alfalfa (Melilotus indicus) plant on seed germination and seedling growth of bread wheat. Results of experiment showed that allelopathic effect of different concentration was highly significant for germination percentage but germination rate and mean germination time decreased significantly by increasing in concentration of allelopathic extracts, also there was clear allelopathic effect of alfalfa extract on seedling growth of wheat. Results of experiment showed that leaf extract exhibited the highest inhibitory effect while root extract exhibited the lowest inhibitory effect on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat.