This research article published by Hindawi, 2021
Weeds with allelopathic effect have been reported to cause significant damage in agriculture particularly in smallholder farming
systems. ,is study assessed the allelopathic effects of different concentrations of crude extract of a noxious weed Sphaeranthus
suaveolens on seed germination and seedling growth of Phaseolus vulgaris and Oryza sativa by examining germination, seedling
height, and total chlorophyll content after seven and fourteen days of crude extract treatment, respectively. Results showed that
seed germination and seedling growth were significantly (p < 0.001) decreased with increase in concentration of crude extract,
signifying concentration dependency. Highest concentration (100%) of S. suaveolens crude extracts resulted in 90% and 100%
inhibition of P. vulgaris and O. sativa seed germination, respectively. Chlorophyll content, fresh weight, and root and shoot length
of both P. vulgaris and O. sativa were also significantly (p < 0.001) affected by highest concentration (100%) of S. suaveolens crude
extracts. Results from this study suggest that the extract of S. suaveolens contains water-soluble allelochemicals which significantly
reduce growth and productivity of P. vulgaris and O. sativa.