Effect of Calotropis procera Leaf Extract on Seed Germination of Some Plants

Subject Areas : Journal of Ornamental Plants

S. Ghasemi ¹ , M. Ghasemi ² , N. Moradi ³ , A. M. Shamili ⁴

1 - Department of Horticulture, Hormozgan University, Iran
2 - The PhD. Student of Horticulture, Tarbiat Modares University and member of Karaj Young Researchers Club, Iran
3 - Department of Natural Resources, Hormozgan University, Iran
4 - Department of Horticulture, Hormozgan University, Iran

Received: 2015-08-15 Accepted : 2015-08-15 Published : 2015-12-01

Keywords: germination, Allelopathic, Calotropis procera, Plumule, Radicle,

Abstract :

Calotropis proceran (Asclepidaceae) is an evergreen plant and widely distributed in Hormozgan province. This plant has the allelopathic properties including germination inhibition, plumule and radicle growth reduction. In this study the effect of different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 60%) of dry leaf water extraction of this plant on the germination of cucumber (Cucumis sativus), tomato (Lycopersicon esculenthum), and eggplant (Solanum melongena) were investigated. The results showed that water extract significantly decreased the germination percentage especially at high concentrations. The radicle and plumule length also were affected by the extract concentrations.