Allelopathy Studies in Weed Science in India——A Review
Waseem Mushtaq,
Mohammad Badruzzaman Siddiqui
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2017
Pages:
99-103
Received:
8 October 2017
Accepted:
23 October 2017
Published:
30 November 2017
Abstract: Allelopathy accounts for both beneficiary and detrimental biochemical relations amongst plants. The phenomenon has received great attention since the 1980’s all over the world; however, in India, research on allelopathy just started in the late 1980’s. Studies have been done with many crops, trees, shrubs and weeds under both laboratory bioassays and field trials to determine their allelopathic potential and its use for weed control. Plants belonging to the Asteraceae family are the most studied species for the allelopathic potential to control weeds. Among the Asteraceae species, allelopathic stress mediated by aqueous extract of differerent parts of Parthenium hysterophorus has been most studied. Allelopathic activity of Ageratum conyzoides has also received deep attention. The individual effect of some allelochemicals has also been investigated. The potential of allelopathy in weed interference on crop production was also studied. In conclusion, allelopathy research should run parallel with contemporary studies such as ecological, horticultural, agricultural, environmental and chemical studies, and an integrated approach ought to be adopted to completely utilize the applicability of allelopathic plant species to addressthe problem of weeds and look for their control.
Abstract: Allelopathy accounts for both beneficiary and detrimental biochemical relations amongst plants. The phenomenon has received great attention since the 1980’s all over the world; however, in India, research on allelopathy just started in the late 1980’s. Studies have been done with many crops, trees, shrubs and weeds under both laboratory bioassays a...
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Diversity, Potential Utilization and Management of Cacti in Northern Kenya
Mary Nyawira Muchane,
Muchane Muchai,
Geoffrey Mungai,
William Wambugu
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2017
Pages:
104-113
Received:
6 October 2017
Accepted:
2 November 2017
Published:
25 December 2017
Abstract: Cactus family (Cactaceae) is poular horticultural plant group with worldwide introduction outside their native ranges for ornamental purposes or as drought tolerant crops for arid and semi-arid lands (ASALS). Despite their importance the species are also the most damaging invasive, yet very little information exists about their status, diversity, potential utilization and problems associated with their management. Field and socio-economic surveys were carried out in ASALs of Northern Kenya to document (i) abundance and diversity of introduced Cactus species, (ii) identify reasons for their introduction, (iii) find potential uses and any invasive problems associated with introduced species. Field methods recorded species richness and abundance of cactus species while socio-economic methods recorded local knowledge on potential utilization and problems associated with management of Cactus species using semi-structured questionnaires. This study recorded only three species of cactus; Opuntia ficus-indica (both spined and spineless), Opuntia exaltata and Cereus peruvianus. The species were found mainly in settled areas and within urban centres. The species were introduced as ornamental (horticulture), dry land crop with ability to provide food (fruits and vegetable) or fodder (for humans or livestock) and as live fences due to their ability to thrive dry conditions. Cactus species in particular O. ficus-indica plays an important role in the region in providing fodder and fruits in the extremely dry seasons. Although cactus species in this region are not yet problematic weed, overgrowth if left unmanaged and thorns were cited as major problems associated with its introduction necessitating sustainable management options to avoid any invasive problem. Proper management of the spineless variety has great potential in improving rural livelihoods.
Abstract: Cactus family (Cactaceae) is poular horticultural plant group with worldwide introduction outside their native ranges for ornamental purposes or as drought tolerant crops for arid and semi-arid lands (ASALS). Despite their importance the species are also the most damaging invasive, yet very little information exists about their status, diversity, p...
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