Analysis of Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. from Allelopathic Viewpoint

Abstract

Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. contributes significantly in soil conservation and is considered as an under utilised crop in the national programme. However, Zizyphus spp may also pose certain problems as weed which prompted us to undertake this problem.Different categories of leaves [identified on the basis of their developmental stages] viz., seventh to twelfth [I], twentieth to twenty fifth [II] and fruit pulp [P] have been analysed for possible allelochemical and antinutritional components.Different developmental stages of plant organs may have a varying impact hence, leachates of two categories of leaves viz., seventh to twelfth [I] and twentieth to twenty fifth [II] were examined for their allelopathic potential on germination and seedling growth of Brassica juncea L. The leachates of dry leaves of category I [i.e. 7th-12th] reduced total chlorophylls and carotenoids in leaves of seven days old seedlings of Brassica juncea L. to a greater degree than the older leaves [20th-25th]. Addition of potassium along with leaf leachates has alleviated this effect to some extent.