A note on the effects of tropical weed decomposition on seed germination and seedling growth of some agricultural crops

Greenhouse and laboratory experiments were carried out to evaluate the allelopathic effects of Euphorbia heterophylla, Cyperus rotundus and Digitaria sanguinalis on seed germination and seedling growth of tomato, soko (feather cockscomb), pepper and sorghum. Significant reductions in germination and seedling growth of tomato, pepper and sorghum were observed when grown in pots containing increasing quantities of decomposed weeds. Decomposed Euphorbia heterophylla had the least suppressive effect on crop seeds, and soko seeds germinated without significant suppression. Seedling growth of sorghum was severely retarded when allowed to grow in leachates obtained from soil containing decomposed weeds.