Allelopathic activity of leucaena on weed species

Abstract

Allelopathy is the direct or indirect effect of one plant on another through substances liberated into the environment, and occurs widely in natural plant communities. The secondary metabolites or natural products involved in allelopathy are called allelochemicals and can be produced in different parts of the plants. The purpose of this study was to determine the allelopathic potential of the aerial part of Leucaena leucocephala on the weeds Desmodium purpureum, Bidens pilosa and Amaranthus hybridus. Bioassays were carried out in laboratory and in greenhouse with aqueous extracts of the aerial part of leucaena in concentrations of 100, 50, 25, 12.5 % (v v-1). The aqueous extract showed major effect over the weeds when applied to filter paper. The allelopathic potential of leucaena varied with weed species, but B. pilosa and A. hybridus were the most sensible species to the extract in both bioassays. Mimosine was quantified by HPLC in concentrations directly correlated to extract concentrations, indicating this allelochemical as the possible substance involved in effects on weed germination and development.