Effect of Eugenia jambolana (L.) Leaf Aqueous Extract on the Growth of Vigna unguiculata (L.)

Abstract:

Allelopathy is a biological phenomenon by which an organism produces one or more biochemicals that influences the germination, growth, survival and reproduction of other organisms. This study was designed to investigate the effect of Eugenia jambolana leaf aqueous extract on the growth of Vigna unguiculata. Aqueous extract of the leaves of Eugenia jambolana were screened for phytochemicals and its effect on the growth of Vigna unguiculata were investigated. The leaf extract was made into a solution to obtain two rates (100mg, 300mg, 500mg, 800mg and 1000mg) which were compared with the control (0g). Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of steroids, saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, terpenoids, carbohydrates and phenols. The aqueous extract significantly (p<0.05) had higher inhibitory effect on the radicle and plumule lenght of Vigna unguiculata from Day 4 and Day 5 after planting when compared to the control and other treatments (100mg, 300mg and 500mg) to that of 800mg and 1000mg.