Volume : III, Issue : III, March - 2013

Phytotoxicity of Chir Pine (Pinus Roxburghii) Needle Litter Towards Cassia Occidentalis

Neel Kant Sharma

Abstract :

The decomposing litter on the forest floors influences the germination and growth of sensitive understorey species by releasing allelochemicals. Effect of chir pine needle litter collected from the forest floor was studied on Cassia occidentalis, a common weed. Aqueous extracts of litter powder reduced the growth of Cassia occidentalis under laboratory conditions. A significant reduction in root and shoot length and biomass of target species was also observed in soil medium in dose dependent manner. The chlorophyll contents were found to be reduced in the treated plants compared with control. The litter powder mixed soils were found to be rich in phenolics which are known for allelopathic effects. The study indicates the potential of utilizing the Chir pine needle litter for management of weeds.

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Article: Download PDF   DOI : 10.36106/ijar  

Cite This Article:

Neel Kant Sharma Phytotoxicity of Chir Pine (Pinus Roxburghii) Needle Litter Towards Cassia Occidentalis Indian Journal of Applied Research, Vol.III, Issue.III March 2013

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