Evaluating the leaf residues of Eucalyptus globulus and Mangifera indica on growth of Cynodon dactylon and Echinochloa colonum.
El-Rokiek K. G., Messiha N. K., El-Masry R. R., El-Din S. A. S.
Author Affiliation: Botany Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.
Journal of Applied Sciences Research : 1793-1799
Abstract : Leaf residues of Eucalyptus globulus and Mangifera indica were evaluated for their alleopathic effect on Cynodon dactylon and Echinochloa colonum in greenhouse during the two successive summer seasons in 2009 and 2010. Leaf residues were used at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 g/kg soil surface. Plant height, Fresh and dry weight of foliage and rhizomes of both weeds were significantly reduced by leaf residues. In general, the highest inhibition was observed with 100 g/kg soil surface. The inhibition caused by Mango leaves residue was higher. The reduction in the dry weight of foliage and rhizomes of Cynodon dactylon reached 74.4 and 73.9% by mango leaves residues at 70 days after sowing. The corresponding results in Echinochloa colonum were 81 and 71.5% as compared to the control. The reduction in both weeds caused by leaf residues of E. globules ranged from 53 to 68.6% at 70 DAS. Phenol contents in foliage and rhizomes of both Cynodon dactylon and Echinochloa colonum were increased with increasing the residue concentrations. A high-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that the following acids; caffeic, ferulic, benzoic, chlorogenic, hydroxybenzoic and cinnamic were present in Eucalyptus globulus extract. The results suggested that leaf residues of E. globulus and M. indica could be used for suppressing the growth of both Cynodon dactylon and Echinochloa colonum.