ALLELOPATHIC EFFECTS OF PARTHENIUM-HYSTEROPHORUSL .3. INHIBITORY EFFECTS OF THE WEED RESIDUE

Growth toxins are released to the soil through leaching and during decay from the air-dried parts of Parthenium hysterophorus L. The dry leaves mixed to the soil inhibit nodulation and growth in legumes, branching in tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L. cv. 'Pusa Ruby'), plant height and tillering in ragi (Eleusine coracana Gaertn. cv. 'Poorna'), and yield in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris. L. cv. 'Burpees Stringless'), cowpea (Vigna sinensis L.), tomato and ragi, but have stimulatory effect on bajra (Pennisetum typhoideum Rich cv. 'H.B.1'). The inhibitors released to the substratum remain active for about thirty days. © 1979 Martinus Nijhoff Publishers.