Abstract:
Interactions between plants
represent an important aspect of ecology,
which enables them to properly utilize the
available resources in the given
environment. The interactions are mediated
by different mechanisms, among
which allelopathy is a significant one.
During allelopathic interactions, plants
tend to suppress competitors plants or
stimulate those which can help them
adjust in the environment in a better
manner. Such interactions are triggered by
the release of chemical compounds
termed, as allelochemicals, which have an
important role in agricultural modulation.
The objective of this experiment was to
evaluate the allelopathic effects of leaf
and bark extracts of sheesham (Dalbergia
sissoo L.) on germination data of wheat
(Triticum aestivum L.) cv. Auqab.
Different concentrations (7 g/l, 14 g/l, and
21 g/l) of sundried leaf and bark extracts,
obtained after 12, 24 and 36 h of soaking
duration were tested for germination %,
mean germination time (MGT), plumule
and radicle length and seedling dry
weight. It was observed that germination
% was negatively affected by 21 g leaf
and bark extract concentration at 36 h
soaking duration, but not by lower
concentration or soaking durations. MGT
was significantly increased by leaf and
bark extracts at three concentration levels,
as well as soaking durations. Plumule and
radicle length responded negatively to
both leaf and bark extracts at higher
concentration and when soaking duration
was increased. Seedling dry weight was
increased by 7 g leaf extracts at 36 h, but
reduced by 21g at 12 and 24 h soaking
durations. On the other hand, 21 g of bark
extracts at 12, 24 and 36 h soaking
duration resulted in significantly
increased dry biomass. These results
suggest negative allelopathy of Sheesham
on studied germination parameters of
wheat, except radicle length and dry
biomass.
