Allelopathic effects of Parthenium hysterophorus extracts on seed germination and seedling growth of lettuce

Abstract

Aqueous extracts of Parthenium hysterophorus leaf and flower seriously inhibited seed germination and seedling growth (root and shoot length) of lettuce. Extracts of the root and stem had much less effect. Lettuce roots were more sensitive to the allelopathic effect than shoots. It appears that early removal of Parthenium weed from lettuce fields is essential to avoid poor germination and seedling growth. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd