16 Jfav 017 Poornima Role Fenugreek

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ROLE OF ALLELOCHEMICALS FROM AN OBNOXIOUS WEED -

STACHYTARPHETA JAMAICENSIS (L.) VAHL., ON GROWTH PARAMETERS OF
CROP PLANTS- ELEUSINE CORACANA GAERTN. (RAGI) AND TRIGONEL....
Research · February 2018
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International Journal of Food, Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences ISSN: 2277-209X (Online)
An Open Access, Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jfav.htm
2017 Vol.7 (3) September-December, pp.75-84/Soren et al.
Research Article
ROLE OF ALLELOCHEMICALS FROM AN OBNOXIOUS WEED -
STACHYTARPHETA JAMAICENSIS (L.) VAHL., ON GROWTH
PARAMETERS OF CROP PLANTS- ELEUSINE CORACANA GAERTN.
(RAGI) AND TRIGONELLA FOENUM- GRAECUM L. (FENUGREEK)
Deepali Soren, *S. Poornima and M. Shivashankar
Department of Life Science, Bangalore University, Bangalore-560056, India
*Author for Correspondence
ABSTRACT
The plant Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl., commonly known as blue snakeweed belongs to the
family Verbenaceae. It has been considered as an obnoxious weed, distributed throughout the tropics and
subtropics and it is naturalized in India (seen in Karnataka and Kerala). It has several medicinal properties
and is used in folklore remedies. However, no information is available in literature on the allelopathic
activity of this obnoxious weed on the germination of crop plants like Eleusine coracana Gaertn. (Ragi)
and Trigonella foenum- graecum L. (Fenugreek). Hence, the present study was undertaken to analyze the
allelopathic effects of the Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) leaf leachate allelochemicals at three different
of concentrations – 1%, 5% and 10% on the seed germination of test crops - Eleusine coracana Gaertn.
and Trigonella foenum- graecum L.. The linear growth - root and shoot length and the biomass of the
seedlings were recorded. The Growth equations- Percent germination of seeds, Percentage seed mortality,
Relative elongation of shoot, Relative elongation of root, Relative Biomass Ratio, Seedling Vigour index
and Relative growth ratio were calculated for both the test crops. The results showed that the
allelochemicals of 10% proved inhibition while, the same of 1% showed promotion in both ragi and
fenugreek for all the above mentioned parameters analyzed. Therefore, our study shows that 10% leaf
allelochemicals proved inhibitory exhibiting the allelopathic effect on seed germination over the 1% leaf
allelochemicals which acted as a liquid fertilizer by promoting the growth in both the test crops studied.
Keywords: Stachytarpheta Jamaicensis (L.), Eleusine Coracana Gaertn. (Ragi), Trigonella Foenum-
Graecum L. (Fenugreek), Leaf Leachate, Allelochemicals and Allelopathy.
INTRODUCTION
The term allelopathy, originated from the Greek word `allelon' meaning `each other' and `pathos' meaning
`suffering' (Gross, 1999). Allelopathy refers to the beneficial or harmful effects of one plant on another
plant, both crop and weed species, from the release of biochemicals, known as allelochemicals, from plant
parts by leaching, root exudation, volatilization, residue decomposition and other processes in both
natural and agricultural systems. The different plant parts, including flowers, leaves, leaf litter and leaf
mulch, stems, bark, roots, soil, and soil leachates and their derived compounds, can have allelopathic
activity that varies over a growing season. Allelochemicals are a subset of secondary metabolites not
required for metabolism (growth and development) of the allelopathic organism and some of them have
been treated as allelopathic substances because of their potential phytotoxicity (Field et al., 2006; Kato-
Noguchi et al., 2014). Allelopathic inhibition is complex and can involve the interaction of different
classes of chemicals, such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, steroids,
carbohydrates, and amino acids, with mixtures of different compounds sometimes having a greater
allelopathic effect than individual compounds alone. Allelochemicals can also persist in soil, affecting
both neighbouring plants as well as those planted in succession Allelochemicals with negative
allelopathic effects are an important part of plant defense against herbivore (i.e., animals eating plants as
their primary food) (Fraenkel, 1959; Stamp, 2003). Allelopathic effects can be inhibitory or stimulatory
(Nasrine, 2011). Use of allelochemicals help in effective economic management of weeds and production
of eco-friendly fertilizers.
Centre for Info Bio Technology (CIBTech) 75

Research Article
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl is a member of the family of Verbenaceae and is commonly known
as Gervao, Brazilian tea, verbena cimarrona, rooter comb, or blue porter weed. This plant mostly grows in
the tropical regions of America as well as in the subtropical forests of Africa, Asia and Oceania. It is also
widely distributed in acclimatized tropics such as those in Malaysia and Indonesia and found to be
naturalized in India (seen in Karnataka and Kerala). It is referred to as “Jolok Cacing” or “Selasih Dandi”
in these countries. S. jamaicensis is a weedy herbaceous plant that grows 60–120 cm tall. This plant has a
smooth, dark green coloured stem, which turns woody towards the base of the stem. It normally
reproduces flowers in mix of bluish and pinkish colours or could bear flowers with a purple to deep blue
colour. The leaves are opposite, greyish green in colour, have a smooth surface, and have a round apex
and distinct petioles. It has been an important medicinal plant with great medicinal properties in
traditional and folk medicinal systems. This plant has been used traditionally by the elderly as a cure for
allergies and respiratory conditions, cough, cold, fever, constipation, digestive complications and
dysentery and promote menstruation among others.
This plant has been reported to possess pharmacological effects due to the presence of various bioactive
phytochemicals. In herbal medicine, it has been known to demonstrate antacid, analgesic, anti-
inflammatory, hypotensive, antihelminthic, diuretic, laxative, lactagogue, purgative, sedative,
spasmogenic, vasodilator, vulnerary, and vermifuge properties (Liew and Yong, 2016).
Plate 1: Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl.
Inspite of the above reports on medicinal properties of this plant, very less information is available in the
literature on the allelopathic studies of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl., on crop plants.
The allelopathic effects of aqueous extracts of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl, was studied against
selected fungal pathogen and test plants. Growth response of the test fungi to the extracts include
inhibition of spore germination, mycelial growth, reduction in the number and size of lesion (Noriel et al.,
1994).
The allelopathic extracts caused inhibited germination of seed/tubers and reduction in root and shoot
growth of the different test plants. The aqueous leaf extracts of S. jamaicensis inhibited seed germination
and radicle growth of many local herbaceous plants implying it has allelopathic potential (Kuo, 2001).
The effects of aqueous flower extract of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis on seed germination and seedling
growth in six economic crops were studied by filter paper method.
The results showed that all the water extracts inhibited the seed germination rate and germination index of
the six plant species and this inhibition became strong as the concentration of extractions increased (Guan
et al., 2012).

Research Article
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials
The study was conducted in the Laboratory of the Department of Life Sciences, Bangalore University,
Bangalore. The leaves of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl were collected from Maruthi nagar of
Bangalore University, Bangalore. The leaves were air dried, packed in paper bags and stored. The
leachate was obtained by soaking ten grams of air dried powdered leaves of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis
(L.) Vahl. (Verbenaceae) in 100ml of glass distilled water for 72hrs at the room temperature. The leachate
was then filtered through whatmann No.1 filter paper and stored under refrigeration. From 10% leachate
stock, 2 dilutions of 5% and 1% were prepared.
Along with these 2 dilutions, the leachate stock of 10% concentration were tested against control (distilled
water) on the growth of the test crops- Eleusine coracana (L) Gaertn. (Ragi) and Trigonella foenum-
graecum L. (fenugreek) obtained from G.K.V.K. farm, Bangalore.
Methods
Bioassay
In the seed germination bioassay, the Ragi and Fenugreek seeds were surface- sterilized in 0.1% Mercuric
chloride, washed thoroughly and spread in sets of 7 grains in 9cm diameter petridishes lined with
sterilized filter paper moistened with 3ml of DW, 1%, 5% and 10% concentrations respectively. The
evaporation loss of the liquid from the medium was made good daily. Each set was replicated 4 times and
radical emergence was considered as the criterion of germination. The seedlings were harvested after 10
days. During the experimental period, the mean maximum and mean minimum temperature were 30ºC
and 27 ºC respectively. The relative humidity ranged between 53-76%. After 10 days, the morphological
parameters viz., the germination of seeds, the linear growth- shoot and root length, dry matter
accumulation, germination and growth ratios obtained were recorded (Poornima et al., 2015).
Stastistical Analysis
The values subjected to statistical analysis are expressed as Mean± standard error of Mean (SEM). One
way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to elucidate the significance difference at p<0.05
between two different groups, following to Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) post hoc.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Results
The results of seed bioassay trial with different concentrations of leaf leachate (Control, 1%, 5% and
10%) of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl on Eleusine coracana Gaertn (Plate 2 and Figures 1-11).
The root length showed significant decrease in treatments 1%, 5% and 10% when compared to control.
Whereas treatment 1% showed promotion and the 10% showed much lesser significant value than all
other treatments (Figure 1). For shoot length there was significant decrease in treatments 1%, 5%, 10%
when compared to control. However, 1% showed promotion and the 10% showed significantly lesser
value than all other treatments (Figure 2). There was insignificant decrease in fresh weight of treatments
1%, 5%, 10% when compared to control. Whereas, treatment 10% was found to be insignificantly less
than all other treatments (Figure 3). In case of dry weight, there was significant decrease in treatments 5%
and 10% when compared to control. However, treatment 1% is moderately significant than control and
5% (Figure 4). With respect to Percent germination, there was insignificant decrease in the treatment 5%
when compared to control. Whereas, 10% showed significant decrease to control. However, 1% treatment
showed comparable insignificant as compared to control (Figure 5).
In case of Percent mortality rate, the treatment 10% showed significant increase when compared to
control and 5%. Whereas, treatment 5% and control are insignificant compared to each other. Percent
mortality rate is 0 in 1% (Figure 6). There was significant decrease in Relative elongation of shoot in
treatments 1%, 5%, 10% when compared to control. Whereas, treatment 1% showed significant increase
on Relative elongation of shoot than treatment 5%. However, treatment 10% showed least significant
decrease than all other treatments (Figure 7). In case of Relative elongation of root, there was significant
decrease in treatments 1%, 5%, 10% when compared to control. Whereas, treatment 5% showed
Research Article
significant decrease than treatment 1%. However, treatment 10% showed least significant decrease than
all other treatments (Figure 8).
Plate 2: Seed Bioassay Trails of Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn (Ragi) with Leaf Leachate of
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl. (Control (DW), 1%, 5% and 10% Leachate)

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Figure 1-11: Effect of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl Leaf Leachate Treatments (1%, 5% &
10% & Control (DW)) on various Growth Parameters of Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn (Ragi)
There was significant decrease on relative biomass ratio in treatments 1%, 5% and 10% when compared
to control. Whereas, treatment 5% showed insignificant decrease on Percent mortality rate than treatment
1%. While 10% showed total inhibition (Figure 9). With respect to seedling vigour index, there was
significant decrease in treatments 1%, 5% and 10% when compared to control. The 10% showed least
significant decrease on seedling vigour index compared to all (Figure 10).
There was significant decrease in Relative germination ratio in treatment 10% when compared to control.
Whereas treatments1% and 5% showed insignificant value as compared to each other. However, 1%
treatment is nearer to control (Figure 11).
The results of seed bioassay trial with different concentrations of leaf leachate (Control, 1%, 5% and
10%) of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl on Trigonella foenum- graecum L. (Plate 3 and Figures 12-
22).
In case of root length, there was significant decrease in treatments 1%, 5% when compared to control.
The treatment 5% showed lesser significant value when compared to 1%. The seedlings did not germinate
in 10% (Figure 12). With respect to shoot length, the 1% showed insignificant decrease than control.
While there was significant decrease in treatment 5% when compared to control. The seedlings did not
germinate in 10% (Figure 13). For fresh weight, there was significant decrease in treatment 5% when
compared to control. Whereas, treatment 1% showed insignificant value as compared to control. The

Research Article
seedlings did not germinate in 10% (Figure 14). With respect to dry weight, the value was moderately
significant in treatment 1% when compared to control. Whereas 5% was found to be less significant as
compared to 1%. The seedlings did not germinate in 10% ((Figure 15). In case of Percent germination of
seeds, there was significant decrease in the treatment 5% when compared to control. However, treatment
1% showed insignificant increase than control. The seedlings did not germinate in 10% (Figure 16).
Plate 3: Seed Bioassay Trails of Trigonella Foenum- Graecum L. (Fenugreek) with Leaf Leachate of
Stachytarpheta Jamaicensis (L.) Vahl (Control (DW), 1%, 5% and 10% Leachate)

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Figure 12-22: Effect of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl Leaf Leachate Treatments (1%, 5%,
10% & Control (DW)) on various Growth Parameters of Trigonella Foenum- Graecum L (Methi)
In case of Percent mortality rate, there was significant increase on in treatment 5% when compared to
control. While none of the seeds died in 1% and none of the seeds germinated in 10%. The seedlings did
not germinate in 10% (Figure 17). For Relative elongation of the shoot, there was significant decrease in
treatment 5% when compared to control. However, treatment 1% showed insignificant decrease than
control. The seedlings did not germinate in 10% (Figure 18). For Relative elongation of root, there was
significant decrease on in treatment 1% and 5% when compared to control. Whereas, treatment 5%
showed least significant decrease when compared to all. The seedlings did not germinate in 10% (Figure
19).
For Relative Biomass Ratio, the value was moderately significant in treatment 1% when compared to
control. Whereas, treatment 5% showed moderately significant decrease on relative biomass ratio as
compared to 1%. The seedlings did not germinate in 10% (Figure 20). In case of seedling vigour index,
there was significant decrease in treatment 5% and 1% when compared to control. However, treatment
5% showed least significant decrease on seedling vigour index level than all. The seedlings did not
germinate in 10% (Figure 21).
In case of Relative germination ratio, there was significant decrease in treatment 5% when compared to
control and 1%. However, treatment 1% showed insignificant value as compared to control. The seedlings
did not germinate in 10% (Figure 22).

Research Article
Discussion
The aqueous crude leaf leachate of 1%, 5% and 10% concentration of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.)
rich in allelochemicals were tested on seed germination of the test crops – Eleusine coracana Gaertn. and
Trigonella foenum- graecum L.
In case of ragi, the 1% leachate concentration promoted Root length, Shoot length, Fresh and dry weight
of seedlings, Percentage germination of seeds, Relative elongation of shoot and root, Relative biomass
ratio, Seedling vigour index, relative germination ratio and showed zero percent mortality rate compared
to 5% and 10% leachate concentrations while the 10% leachate proved inhibitory on all the above
mentioned parameters and showed maximum percent mortality rate. Markedly the percentage germination
of seeds and relative germination ratio was significantly high in 1 % compared to control.
In case of Fenugreek, the 1% leachate concentration promoted all the above mentioned parameters
compared to 5 and 10% leachates. Markedly the percentage germination of seeds, relative biomass ratio
and relative germination ratio was significantly high in 1 % compared to control. The 10 % leachate
showed complete inhibition as none of the seeds germinated in the same. Therefore, our study proves that
10% inhibits the growth and 1% promotes the growth in both the test crops studied.
Allelochemicals of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl containing liquid fertilizers enhanced the growth
in the treated plants over control plants. These allelochemicals at lower concentration -1% act as eco-
friendly fertilizers which also confers disease resistance in crop plants. Hence, we authors opine to create
awareness among the scientific community, farmers and public to encourage the utilization of weed
derived allelochemicals as liquid fertilizers for enhancing crop productivity which also marks an efficient
weed management strategy in the future days to come.
REFERENCES
Field B, Jordán F and Osbourn A (2006). First encounters–deployment of defence‐related natural
products by plants. New Phytologist 172(2) 193-207.
Fraenkel GS (1959). The Raison d'Etre of Secondary Plant Substances. Science 129 1466–70.
Gross E (1999). Allelopathy in benthic and littoral areas case studies on allelochemicals from benthic
cyanobacteria and submerged macrophytes. In: Principles and Practices in Plant Ecology Allelochemical
Interactions, edited by Inderjit KM, Dakshini M and CL Foy (CRC Press, Boca Raton, USA) 179-99.
Guan Y-L, Qi-ju OU and Xue-ying LI (2012). Effects of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis on seed
germination and seedling growth in six plant species. Guizhou Agricultural Sciences 2 37-40.
Kato-Noguchi H, Kobayashi A, Ohno O, Kimura F, Fujii Y and Suenaga K (2014). Phytotoxic
substances with allelopathic activity may be central to the strong invasive potential of Brachiaria
brizantha. Journal of Plant Physiology 171(7) 525-30.
Kuo YL (2001). Autecological characteristics and allelopathic potential of the invasive species
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis. Taiwan Journal for Science 6(2) 103-14.
Liew PM and Yong YK (2016). Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl: From Traditional Usage to
Pharmacological Evidence. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (10) Article ID
7842340, 7.
Nasrine S (2011). Allelochemicals from some medicinal and aromatic plants and their potential use as
bioherbicides. Doctoral Dissertation, Université Badji-Mokhtar, Annaba.
Noriel LM, Vasquez EA, Ranchez CV and Sopsop GO (1994). Allelopathic effect of botanical extracts
on selected fungal pathogens and test plants. Annals of Tropical Research (Phillipines) 16 1-12.
Poornima S, Ashalatha KL, Namratha KS and Priyadarshini N (2015). Assessment of allelopathic
potential of an obnoxious weed Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Piot on the seed germination of crops- Triticum
aestivum L. and Eleusine coracana Gaertn. Indian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Life Science 5(1)
303-11.
Stamp N (2003). Out of the Quagmire of Plant Defense Hypotheses. The Quarterly Review of Biology 78
23–55.
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ROLE OF ALLELOCHEMICALS FROM AN OBNOXIOUS WEED -

Research · February 2018

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Plate 1: Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl.

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

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