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ABSTRACT
Many native forests have been destroyed by the introduction and large-scale planting of fast
growing exotic tree species. Consequently, some native species have become endangered and
the ecosystem services provided by native forests are diminishing (For example, continuous
monoculture planting of eucalyptus may caused accumulation of phytotoxins in soil which
results in soil degradation and loss of productivity. In this study the allelopathic effect of
Eucalyptus globulus aqueous leaf extraction on germination and early growth of two
agricultural crops; Eragrostis teff and Cicer arietinum, which are commonly cultivated in
Ethiopia particularly in South Gonder Dera district, were studied under laboratory room
and field experimental conditions . At both conditions, seeds and seedlings were watered with
0% (control), 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% extractions of Eucalyptus globulus in every other
days. Extraction above 10% delayed mean germination time of of Cicer arietinum at both
laboratory room and field conditions. All extractions of Eucalyptus globulus delayed
germination time of teff during laboratory room experiment . In field experiment the mean
germinating time of teff was significantly affected by above 10% extractions of Eucalyptus
globulus. Number of germinating seeds were only affected at laboratory condition of both
crops by 40% extractions . Germination percentage of both crops significantly affected by
40% of extract solutions except laboratory experiment of teff which was not affected by all
extracts. All extracttions inhibited the shoot length of chickpea and teff at both conditions.
Root length of chickpea at laboratory room andexperiment were significantly inhibited by all
extracts. But during field conditions it was affected by above 10% extract solutions. Seedling
height reduction and vigor index of both crops were significantly affected by all extracts at
both conditions.These shows the toxicity of Eucalyptus globlus to Teff and Chickpea. So, E.
globulus tree is toxic to Eragrostis teff and Cicer arietinum , it must not be intercropped
with these plants. Besides, increasing awareness of the farmers towards allelopathic effect of
E. globulus against chickpea and teff is necessary so that they avoid intercropping and
further studies must be done on allelopathic effect of E.globulus on Eragrostis teff and Cicer
arietinum .
KEY WORDS;- shoot length, root length, mean germinating time, Seedling height reduction,
vigor index, Germination percentage |
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