Allelopathic effects of Melia azedarach L. on germination, growth and yield of black gram and chickpea

We analysed the allelochemicals in leaf litter of Indian lilac (Melia azedarach L.) by Gas chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS). The allelopathic effects of leaf aqueous extracts (control, 25, 50, 75 and 100% concentration) and leaf litter (control, 12.5, 25.00, 37.50 and 50 g/pot) on germination and growth and biomass of black gram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper var. 'Gujarat Urd-1') and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.; var. 'Kabuli') were determined in laboratory and pot culture. To understand the allelopathic effects of leaf litter on later stages of growth, biomass and grain yield of test crops, pot experiments were done. GC-MS analysis of leaf litter revealed different compounds [phenolic acids, alkaloids, methyl ketones (volatile allelochemical), unsaturated fatty acids, benzofuran, propargyl acid, benzoxepine, fluorobenzoic acid, silicyclobutane, palmitic acid]. The leaf aqueous extract and leaf litter inhibited the germination, initial growth and biomass of black gram and chickpea (Kabuli variety) in laboratory and pot culture bioassays. However, the results of pot experiment done till maturity of test crops, did not show allelopathic effects of leaf litter on growth, biomass and grain yield.