Allelopathic effect of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Citrus aurantium aqueous extract on germination and growth of Triticum asetivum L. (Var. Gomal)

Abstract

The allelopathic potential of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Citrus aurantium were investigated against Triticum aestivum L. (Var. Gomal) in the laboratory. Fresh and dry leaves (5, 10 and 15g) of E. camaldulensis and C. aurantium were soaked in 100ml of distilled water for 24hrs and 48hrs and were then filtered. The extract was then applied on Triticum aestivum to investigate the allelopathic impact on germination percentage, radicle and plumule length after 72hrs of incubation period at 26°C. The results showed that the fresh and dry leaves extract of E. camaldulensis and C. aurantium significantly reduced the plumule and radicle length and showed a lesser effect on the germination percentage of Triticum aestivum as compared to the control. The germination percentage was effected more by 48hrs soaking duration extract of E. camaldulensis than C. aurantium and was recorded 24.26%. The radicle length was effected more by 48hrs soaking duration extract of C. aurantium as compared to E. camaldulensis and was recorded 77.23%. The plumule length was effected more by 24hrs soaking duration extract of E. camaldulensis as compared to C. aurantium and was recorded 91.68%. From the results, it was concluded that the dry and fresh leaves extract of C. aurantium and E. camaldulensis significantly effected the growth and germination percentage of Triticum aestivum which suggests that some allelochemicals might be present in C. aurantium and E. camaldulensis.