Phytotoxicity of Ageratum conyzoides residues towards growth and nodulation of Cicer arietinum

A study was conducted to find out the phytotoxic effect of invasive weed Ageratum conyzoides on chickpea (Cicer arietinum). Weed residues amended in the soil significantly reduced the chickpea growth. Root length, plant height and biomass of chickpea were lower in the soils amended with below- or above-ground weed residues. In addition, compared to control, the nodulation (nodule number, their weight and leghemoglobin content) of chickpea was also reduced in the amended soils. The observed reduction in chickpea growth and nodulation was attributed to the presence of phytotoxic phenolics in the residues. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.