Assessment of allelopathic potential of root exudate of rice seedlings

To determine the allelopathic potential of root exudate from early developmental stage of rice (Oryza sativa L), 6-d-old seedlings of eight cultivars were grown with 3-d-old alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), cress (Lepidium sativum L.) or lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seedlings in Petri dishes under controlled condition. All rice cultivars (cv. Norin 8, Kamenoo, Nipponbare, Kinuhikari, Koshihikari, Sasanishiki, Yukihikari and Hinohikari) inhibited growth of roots, shoots and fresh mass of alfalfa, cress and lettuce seedlings. Effectiveness of cv. Koshihikari was the greatest and more than 60 % inhibition was recorded in all bioassays, followed by that of cv. Norin 8 of which effectiveness was more than 40 %.