Allelopathic Effects of the Plant Celosia argentea L. on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Vigna mungo L.

Allelopathy generally refers to the inhibitory effects of plant species (the donor) on the germination, growth or development of another plant species (the recipient). Chemicals with allelopathic activity are present in different plant parts including leaves and fruits which have a potential as herbicides. The donor plants release allelochemicals into the environment through decomposition of plant residues, ischolar_main exudates, leachates and volatilization. Accumulation of more allelochemicals from weeds in fields causes soil sickness and autotoxicity resulting in loss of crop yield. The present study has been conducted to examine the allelopathic effects of Celosia argentea L. on seed germination and seedling growth of Vigna mungo.