Allelopathic influence of leaf residue of <i>Amaranthus spinosus</i> on growth and metabolism of <i>Parthenium hysterophorus</i> L.

Abstract

The effect of leaf residue of Amaranthus spinosus L. on the growth and metabolism of Parthenium hysterophorus L. was studied in pot culture. The leaf residue of Amaranthus spinosus inhibited the height of the plant, length of the leaves and number of branches, capitula and seeds per plant. The total sugar was decreased in different treatments with maximum reduction (25.37%) in leaf of Parthenium plants with T₂ treatment. The accumulation of organic acids reveals that respiration was hampered in tested plants. Increase in the amino acids might be adaptation of plant in environmental stress. The altered metabolism results in inhibited growth in Parthenium. The leaf residue of Amaranthus spinosus may be used as a potent bioherbicide.

Key words: Amaranthus spinosus; Amino acid; Chlorophyll; Lipid; Organic acid

doi: 10.3126/eco.v12i0.3203

Ecoprint: An International Journal of Ecology 12: 77-84, 2005