Growth inhibitory effect of ten fruit leaves on selected weeds

Growth inhibitory effects of aqueous extracts of ten fruit leaves were investigated during July 2007 to December 2007 at the laboratory of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry in Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh. Aqueous extracts of ten common fruit plant leaves viz., mango, black berry, jack fruit, litchi, wood apple, indian dillenia, guava, banana, indian goose berry, olive were tested for germination and shoot and root growth of barnyard grass, spiny amaranth and green amaranth. The aqueous extracts of wood apple (Aegle marmelos) significantly decreased germination of barnyard grass, while spiny amaranth and green amaranth seeds/g control respectively. The lowest germination percentage of were 6.4 %, 8.80% and 8.80%, respectively. The aqueous extract of wood apple leaves showed inhibitory effect on germination and root and shoots growth of barnyard grass, spiny amaranth and green amaranth seedlings. Based on their growth inhibitory properties, mango, black berry, jack fruit, litchi, wood apple, indian dillenia, guava, banana, indian goose berry , olive. One of these plant extracts which performed the best, i.e. wood apple have potential for use as alternative crop as herbicide (protectants) against a number of weed species.