ALLELOPATHIC POTENTIAL OF DILL ON GERMINATION AND GROWTH PARAMETERS OF MAIZE SEEDLINGS

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine allelopathic effect of dill (Anethum graveolens L.) on germination and growth parameters of maize (Zea mays L.). Cogermination of maize seeds with dill seeds and aqueous extracts of aboveground parts of dill in concentrations of 0; 2.5; 5 and 10% were evaluated in Petri dishes. Cogermination of dill seeds significantly decreased root length of maize. The extracts of dill at 2.5% concentration, significantly stimulated root and shoot lenght of maize, but with the concentration of the aqueous extract increased, the stimulating effects decreased, and even changed into inhibited. This study indicated that the dill plants have strong allelopathic potential on maize. Aqueous extracts of dill, in low concentration, can be used in organic farming as biostimulators for initial growth of maize.