Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the allelopathic potential of Rhazya stricta leaves and stem on Zea mays. It showed that stem of aqueous extracts of R. stricta present inhibitory effects on germination and seminal root numbers, while leave extract significantly decreased the plumule and radical growth of test specie. The inhibitory effects were increased proportionally with increasing extract concentration. These findings indicate that both germination and growth of Z. mays sown in fields, which had leaf and stem litter ofR. stricta will be adversely affected, ultimately resulting to lower yield.

Key words: Rhazya stricta, allelopathy, competition, aqueous leaf extract, aqueous stem extract.