Allelopathic potential of Rhazya stricta Decne on germination of Pennisetum typhoides

Rhazya stricta Decne. an evergreen poisonous shrub of the Apocynaceae family locally known as Ganderi, is a wild plant widely distributed in the hilly area of District Karak Pakistan and comparable habitats throughout the world. This study was designed to investigate the a1lelopathic potential of R. stricta (stem and leaves) on Pennisetum typhoides. Results showed that 10g aqueous extracts of leaves and 48 hours treatment present inhibitory effect on germination percentage, radical length and seminal root number and the effect was found significantly higher than that recorded in the stem and control treatment. The inhibitory effects were increased proportionally with the extract concentration and treatment duration. These findings indicate that P. typhoidessown in fields which had leaf and stem litter of R. stricta will be adversely affected regarding germination, growth and ultimately resulting in lower yields of P. typhoides.