Effect of aqueous extract of leucaena on germination and growth of corn

Abstract

Bioassays were carried out at Embrapa-Centro Nacional de Pesquisa de Milho e Sorgo (CNPMS), to evaluate the effect of leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit.) cold and hot aqueous extracts on germination and growth of corn (Zea mays L.). Extracts at 20% (w/v) concentration were used in greenhouse on soil and germitest paper, and on filter paper under laboratory conditions. Results indicated that extract obtained with cold water (EC) when applied in soil had no phytotoxic effect on germination and plant growth. Extraction with hot water (EH) caused reduction in root length, but had no effect on maize seeds germination. The root length was more efficient as a sensitive indicator to EH than germination.