Allelopathic potential of mint weed (Hyptis suaveolens Poit.) on germination behaviour of some okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench varieties

Abstract

The allelopathic effect of water extract of fresh shoot of Mint weed (Hyptis suaveolens Poit.) at varying concentrations on germination of some okra varieties under laboratory condition was investigated in 2012. The treatments were 3 x 5 factorial combination of okra varieties (LD 88-1, JOKOSO, NHAe47-4) and extract concentration (distilled water as control, 0 %, 25 % w/v, 50 % w/v, 75 % w/v and 100 % w/v), arranged in a completely randomized design with five replications. In this study, total germination (GT), speed of accumulated germination (SAG), and coefficient of rate of germination (CR) were measured. Among the varieties, extract of fresh shoot of H. suaveolens had similar inhibitory effect on LD 88-1 and NHAe 47-4 compared with JOKOSO. The extract concentration at 25 % and beyond with LD 88-1 and NHAe 47-4, 50 % and beyond with JOKOSO inhibited the seed germination of these varieties. JOKOSO tolerated the allelochemicals of the extract at 25 % concentration and promoted similar superior seed germination with the control (0 %). GT and SAG were more sensitive to show allelopathic effect of extract of fresh shoot of H. suaveolens, than CRG on okra seeds.