ALLELOPATHIC POTENTIAL OF DIGERA MURICATA, A DESERT SUMMER ANNUAL

Abstract

Allelopathic potential of Digera muricata was tested on different crops by germinating them in different concentrations of D. muricata extract. It was observed that germination of all test species were highly affected in the higher concentration of D. muricata extract. Bulrush-millet was the most affected species. Decaying plant material of D. muricata was also found to be highly phytotoxic. Maximum reduction in growth of bulrush-millet was observed in the decaying root material. Phenolic compounds (Quercetin, sinapic and ferluic acid), alkaloids (cystine and berbine) and a terpenoid (limonene) were detected from roots and shoots of D. muricata. Greater quantities of all these allelochemicals were present in the roots followed by shoots.