Interference effects of Cassia uniflora Mill on Parthenium hysterophorus L.

Abstract

In some parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra states (India), a leguminous undershrub, Cassia uniflora has effectively replaced the problematic weed Parthenium hysterophorus (parthenium). The studies revealed that the phenolic leachates from different parts of C. uniflora, specially from germinating seeds significantly inhibited the germination of parthenium seeds and retarded the growth of seedlings from the successfully germinated parthenium seeds. At field level, seedlings of C. uniflora outcompeted the seedlings of summer generation of parthenium causing reduction in height, dry weight and number of inflorescences of the latter which ultimately resulted in reduction of their seed output. Because of its longer life span, C. uniflora effectively prevented the establishment of parthenium plants of the winter generation in its area of growth. Results indicate that C. uniflora replaces parthenium through interference.