evaluation of the allelopathic influence of selected multi-purpose tree species on maize (zea mays) under a simulated field condition

Germination and growth response of maize (Zea mays) that was periodically watered with 200 ml of leaf leachates of three selected multipurpose tree species (MPTs) - Inga edulis, Anthonatha macrophylla and Dactyladenia barterii were evaluated under a simulated field condition to determine their allolepathic characteristics and suitability for alley cropping. There was a significant (P <0.05) difference in the germination percentage of the maize seeds among the MPTs studied. Maximum germination percentage (76.7 %) of the seeds and seedling growth as indicated by radicle length, shoot length, fresh weight and plant height at taselling were obtained from seeds watered/treated with rainwater as the control treatment. Reduction in germination percentage (33 %) was observed in Anthonatha macrophylla leachates while moderate germination percentage of 50 % was observed in Dactyladenia barterii leachate. Anthonatha macrophylla leachate inhibited both radicle and shoot lenght. Similarly Inga edulis leachate had inhibiting effects on radicle and shoot of germinating maize seeds. This resuit suggets that Inga edulis, Anthonatha macrophylla and Dactyladenia barterii produce allelochems which inhibit seed germination and growth of maize under the conditions of the experiment. Investigations on allelopathic characteristics of potential MPTs could be integrated in farm planning strategies in a tropical agroecology especially where alley cropping is contemplated.