TITLE:
Effects of Aqueous Eucalyptus Extracts on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Phaseolus vulgaris L. and Zea mays L.
AUTHORS:
Wasihun Regu Gurmu
KEYWORDS:
Allelopathy, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus grandis, Germination, Phaseolus vulgaris, Seedling Growth, Zea mays
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.2 No.9,
September
11,
2015
ABSTRACT:
Allelopathic effects of Eucalyptus are widely reported and are considered
the major factor limiting the cultivation of agricultural crops intercropped.
However, reports of the allelopathic effects of Eucalyptus are mostly based on
laboratory bioassay, not on field trials. The objective of the present study
was to determine the effects of different leaves powder proportions of Eucalyptus species on agricultural crops
as well as change in soil reaction. This research was undertaken in a pot
experiment that haricot bean and maize grown in the nursery of Hawassa
University College of Agriculture campus laid in a completely randomized
design. Collected leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eucalyptus
grandis were prepared powdered by air drying and grinding. Results
suggested that leaves powder of each tree species induced significant
inhibitory effect on germination and seedling growth of each crops compared to
the control treatments. Application of low-dose leaves powder of either tree species
had low effect on both crops. Eucalyptus grandis has more inhibitory
effect on both crops, and the negative effect of allelochemicals is more pronounced
on haricot bean. This indicates that
maize and haricot bean should not be planted very close to Eucalyptus trees
and crops seed rate should be increased to get the maximum germination.