Evaluation the Effect of Dodonaea viscosa Jacq. Residues on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field study was conducted in 2010 to evaluate the effect of Dodonaea viscosa Jacq. residues on maize (Zea mays L.) cultivar 5018 .A , using RCBD design with three replications .The trial comprised of four treatments such as mulching, incorporation into soil and extract, along with control which sown with maize crop without adding residues of D. viscose. Data show there was little or no increase in chlorophylls , carotenes content in leaves of maize, Leaf area index (LAI) and number of ear per plant . Mulching treatment produced the highest length of maize reached to190 cm. Residues of Dodonaea viscosa significantly affected grain yield and yield contributing parameters , extract treatment recorded the best value 2.60 of number of ear per plant. Mulching treatment increased ear weight significantly by 41.18 % compared to control. There was significant difference in 100 grain weight between mulching and control treatments ,the increase reached to 45.51 % . Mulching treatment produced the highest plant grain yield 99.1 g , and it enhanced the plant yield by 55.82 and 39.97 % as compared to incorporation and control treatments, respectively. This increase reflected in an increase in total grain yield by 39.95 and 56.05 % , respectively . Neither protein nor oil content in maize grains were significantly affected by Dodonaea residues, even though there was slight increase . Carbohydrates content in maize grains were not significantly different due to Dodonaea residues treatments , although some decrease was observed due to slight increase in protein and oil content. There was a tendency for carbohydrates content to increase in control treatment as compared with Dodonaea residues treatments . The leaf tissue N%, P%, K%, Mg ppm or Fe ppm concentrations were not significantly affected by Dodonaea residues treatments ,However, the chemical analysis of field soil properties after harvesting demonstrated the increase in inorganic elements as compared with soil before sowing. In conclusion, Use of medicinal plants like Dodonaea as allelopathic agent will be a new but eco-friendly, cheaper and effective mode of weed control. Allelopathy may provide an inexpensive and more desirable method of control than more conventional methods such as the use of herbicides or mechanical removal; it may prove to be one of our best weapons for controlling weed. The infestation of pests and pathogens may be reduced simultaneously with the reduction of weeds. Additional nutrients from plant materials to soil may minimize the quantity of synthetic fertilizers needed for crops growth and development.