Abstract

GARCINIA GUMMI-GUTTA (L) ROBS. VAR. GUMMI-GUTTA AS A HERBICIDE

Dhanya. P.* & Benny.P.J.

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the weedicidal potential of Garcinia gummi-gutta leaf leachates on germination of weeds. The effect on seed germination was assayed by Sandwitch method. Results revealed that the plant is a strong weedicide. The extract of the plant has also been tested against the mature seedlings grown and brought up in soil media maintained in pots. This has been performed in order to determine the toxicity of the purified compound when used aginst weeds. Results also revealed that the plant is exerting its allelopathic effect only on the germination stage of seeds whereas a null effect was observed with matured seedlings.

Keywords: allelopathy, secondary metabolites, weeds, allelochemicals, Garcinia gummi-gutta, matured seedlings, natural herbicides.