ALLELOPATHIC EFFECT OF LANTANA (LANTANA-CAMARA) AND SIAM WEED (CHROMOLAENA-ODORATA) ON SELECTED CROPS

Laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies were conducted to determine the allelopathic potential of lantana and Siam weed on the germination and growth of five crops. Emergence and dry weight of bioassay species were affected when lantana or Siam weed debris was present on the soil surface or incorporated into the soil. However, presence of Siam weed on the soil surface did not affect dry weight of rape. Emergence and dry weight of crops (except emergence of spinach) were not affected when crops were grown in soil samples collected from beneath field-grown lantana. Dry weight of Chinese cabbage and chilli was reduced when these crops were grown in Siam weed-contaminated soil. Germination of Chinese cabbage, chilli, and rape decreased progressively when exposed to increasing concentrations of aqueous lantana extract. However, the lantana extract at full strength (66.7 g L-1) did not reduce germination of spinach and cucumber seed. Siam weed extract, when applied at full strength to seed of spinach, Chinese cabbage, rape, and chilli, reduced germination by 10, 12, 21, and 19% of control, respectively. Full-strength extract of lantana and Siam weed decreased seedling length and fresh weight of all crops.