Efficacy of Saponin Glycosides Against the Weed, Echinochloa colanum

Saponins were isolated from the neoil bearing forest seeds viz., Maduca indica, Sapindus mukrossi and their herbicidal activities were assessed under laboratory conditions at different dilutions against Echinochloa colanum, a notorious weed of silvi-agri (babul-paddy) agroforesty model. The effect of dilutions viz., 2.5, 5, 10% of saponin isolates on % germination, and ischolar_main and shoot length were recorded. The incorporation of 2.5%concentration of saponin dilutions of different species drastically reduced germination (35-47%) as compared thecontrol.No ischolar_main formationwas recorded in all treatments while 60.09-94.95% shoot length inhibition over control (3.27 cm) was recorded in different treatments. Screened species grow luxuriantly in tropical region and easily available source for the isolation of saponins, which can be utilized as a lead molecule for the synthesis of safer, eco-friendlyandmore economicalweed control agents.