2025/11/02 by Ogbu, J. U., Umeokechukwu, E. C., Haanongon, T.
#Allelochemical #bio-stimulant #farming system #leaf extracts #legume tree
paper · doi:10.82552/njhs.v29i4.41-48
Pentaclethra macrophylla is a multipurpose agroforestry legume tree of the mimosoid clade, that flourishes in southern Nigeria agroecosystem. In this allelopathy study, viable seeds of Solanum macrocarpon were sown in situ in polybags filled with 35 kg topsoils, following standard agronomic practices for the crop, and were monitored for 18 Weeks After Planting (WAP). The treatments comprised five levels (0%-T1 control, 10%-T2, 20%-T3, 40%-T4 and 80%-T5) of Aqueous Leaf Extract (ALE) of P. macrophylla, laid out in completely randomized design and replicated (8x). Results indicated that 40% ALE significantly enhanced NL (35.60±14.1) and FW (107.13g±27.8) per crop stand, and also reduced DF (90.00±8.8 days after planting) of the S. macrocarpon than other ALE concentrations, and control which had 22.3±4.6; 47.5g±12.5 & 97.75±5.85, respectively, at 18 WAP. The 10% ALE treated plants had highest mean SD (5.70mm±0.9), RL (32.60cm±2.3) and SB (140.50g±24.9), although SD and SB were not significantly different from the control and other concentrations. The 80% ALE treated plants had markedly highest mean PH (58.71cm±5.6) and NB (2.63±0.9), while the least were from 20% ALE (45.11cm±7.1) and control (1.38±0.4), respectively. Therefore, aqueous leaf extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla at 40% increased number of leaves, fruit weight and shortened days to 50% flowering in Solanum macrocarpon.