Microcosm Investigation on the Allelochemical Potential of Mikania micrantha to the Selected Food Crop

Abstract

An experiment under microcosm was conducted to assess the allelochemical potential of Mikania micrantha on the growth andgermination of Lactuca sativa through a pot culture experiment. Soil samples were collected from two different sites i.e., M. micranthainvaded soil (for the experimental pot) and healthy forest soil (for control pot). Various seed germination and growth parametershave been analyzed to evaluate the inhibitory and stimulatory effects of the allelochemicals released from M. micrantha. The resultsrevealed that the germination and growth parameters of the crop were inhibited and suppressed by M. micrantha. Out of the fifteenseeds planted in both pots, thirteen seeds were able to germinate in the experimental pot, while fourteen were in the control pot. Theseedling height (8.85 cm), shoot length (8.75 cm), seedling biomass (0.408 g), vigor index (0.52), root length (0.091 cm), germinationpotential (0.73), germination percentage (86.66%), germination index, (3.66) and germination rate index (317.17) were lower in theexperimental pot and higher in the control pot. Therefore, M. micrantha showed an inhibitory effect on the growth and germination ofL. sativa and induced negative allelopathic effects.