IMPACT OF EXTRACTS FROM LEAVES AND ROOTS OF SMUTGRASS(Sporobolus indicusL.)ON THE GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF WHEAT (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Sporobolus indicus (L.), or smut grass, represents a perennial grass species that grows commonly in pastures and disturbed habitats. The species demonstrates resilience and exhibits allelopathic effects that could disrupt the growth of adjacent plants. This study aimed to evaluate the allelopathic effects of aqueous extracts derived from the leaves and roots of Sporobolus indicus (L.) on the germination and early development of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds. Different concentrations of the extracts (100%, 50%, and 25%) were tested in comparison to a control (distilled water). Parameters assessed included germination percentage, germination speed index, root and shoot length, and biomass production. Higher extract concentrations from leaves demonstrated negative effects on seed germination and seedling growth. Lower extract concentrations derived from roots exhibited mild effects that actually stimulated certain growth parameters. The research shows that Sporobolus indicus's allelopathic effects depend on concentration levels, which could affect wheat growth in areas where this plant is present. Different extract concentrations (25%, 50%, and 100%) were evaluated under controlled settings, with distilled water serving as the control. The results revealed that higher doses (100%) strongly hindered wheat root elongation and biomass buildup, notably with leaf extracts, which lowered root length to 0.66 cm from 6.86 cm at 25%  and weight from 0.437 g to 0.089 g . Germination rates were mostly unaltered, however seedling development was reduced in a dose-dependent manner.