ALLELOPATHIC IMPACT OF LANTANA CAMARA L. EXTRACT ON SEED AND SEEDLING TRAITS OF CAPSICUM ANNUM

This study was made to assess the allelopathic effects of aqueous extract of Lantana camara L. a potential invasive plant on growth and seedling related traits of red chilli (Capsicum annum L). The seeds were treated in 10%, 20%, 40%, 80% and 100% concentrations. The leaf aqueous extract of Lantana camara L. showed significant inhibitory activity on germination potency of the seed in terms of Germination Index. Besides, Phytotoxicity for the Capsicum annum L. was found out, Germination Index was found to be decreased with increase in the concentration of aqueous leaf extracts and phytotoxicity increased. The maximum and minimum inhibitory values were obtained in 100% and 10% extract concentrations respectively. All the results and observations obtained in this experimental study were discussed in the view of phyto-chemical constituents of Lantana camara L. and their probable allelopathic property against the seed germination.