Effect of weed extracts on seedling growth of some varieties of wheat

Allelopathic effect ofAvena fatua L., Cyperus rotundus L., Polygonum hydropiper L., and Solanum nigrum L. were examined on seedling growth of certain commonly used varieties of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Tarai region of U.P. state. The weed extracts inhibited the length of plumule in all the varieties (100%) with Solanum and it was in 12 (92%), 10 (77%) and 06 (46%) varieties with Polygonum, Avena and Cyperus, respectively. In radicle length, it was in 92% with both Polygonum and Solanum; and 85% and 69% of the varieties with Avena and Cyperus, respectively. However, all the four weed extracts reduced the dry weight of plumule, radicle and total seedling in all the varieties (100%) of wheat except in HD--2329 with Cyperus, in which it was positive. The percent reduction (percentage of control) was more than 50% in 92%, 77%, 54% and 39% of the varieties, respectively with Solanum, Polygonum, Avena and Cyperus. Among the weed extracts, the inhibitory effect on seedling growth in different varieties followed the order: Solanum > Polygonum > Avena and > Cyperus. On the basis of the present results, UP--2003 and WH--542 followed by PBW--226, Sangam and HD--248 were more susceptible to all the four weed extracts compared to the rest of the varieties of wheat.