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