September 2014
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44 Reads
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2 Citations
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India - Section B: Biological Sciences
The effects of root and leaf leachate of four troublesome weeds (Amaranthus retroflexus, Asphodelus tenuifolius, Digera muricata and Trianthema portulacastrum), on seed germination and seedling growth in Triticum aestivum L. were studied. Root and leaf leachate of all the weeds inhibited seed germination and root and shoot growth of T. aestivum. The leaf leachate of all the weeds were more inhibitor than their root leachate. The root and leaf leachate of A. tenuifolius caused maximum inhibition of seed germination and seedling growth. The quantity of total phenolics was higher in the leaves of all the weeds as compared to their roots. These results were further confirmed by HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds showing the presence of eight phenolics (shikimic, gallic, syringic, tannic, synaptic, ferulic, p-coumaric and t-chlrogenic acid) in roots and leaves of the four weeds. Their quantity was higher in the leaves as compared to the roots. Shikimic and gallic acids were present in both root and leaves of all the weeds. Maximum reduction in seed germination and seedling growth in wheat was caused by the root and leaf leachate of A. tenuifolius due to the presence of higher number of phenolic compounds including quercetin and kaemferol.