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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #88478
Title: SEED GERMINATION AS AFFECTED BY HIBISCUS CANNABINUS L., LEAF, BARK, AND CORE EXTRACTS

Author
item Webber Iii, Charles
item Russo, Vincent
item MYERS, DWIGHT

Submitted to: American Kenaf Society Conference Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/26/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Allelopathy, the biochemical interaction between plants, can affect the germination and development of plants. Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) plant material is now used in several products that will contact germinating seeds or developing plants, therefore it is important to determine kenaf's allelopathic activity. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of kenaf leaf, bark, and core extracts on seed germination. Four concentrations (0, 16.7, 33.3 and 66.7 g L-1) of extracts were prepared for each plant component (leaf, bark and core). The leaf, bark, and core extracts were applied to the germination medium for seeds of cucumber, green bean, tomato, Italian ryegrass, and redroot pigweed. The treated seeds were placed in a non-illuminated incubator at 27oC. Percent germination was recorded after 7 days in the incubator. Kenaf leaf extracts decreased seed germination of tomato by 22.8%, Italian ryegrass by 22.8%, and redroot pigweed by 11.4% compared to the kenaf bark and core extracts. Kenaf core extracts reduced greenbean germination by 7.0% compared to kenaf bark and leaf extracts. Increasing extract concentrations decreased seed germination of tomato by 34.4%, cucumber by 12.6%, Italian ryegrass 35.3%, and redroot pigweed 39.5%, while greenbean germination was unaffected by extract concentration. The data suggest that the detrimental effects of kenaf extracts are dependent on the seed species tested and the plant component applied.