Allelopathic Effect of Aqueous Papaya Seed Solutions on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Mung Bean and Wheat

Mattanaporn Maikami; Phimnara Nilrit

Authors

Mattanaporn Maikami Faculty of Science and Technology, Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University under the Royal Patronage, Phathum Thani, 13180 Thailand
Phimnara Nilrit Faculty of Science and Technology, Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University under the Royal Patronage, Phathum Thani, 13180 Thailand

Keywords:

Papaya seeds, Germination parameters, Seedling growth

Abstract

The widespread use of synthetic herbicides in agriculture has raised significant environmental and health concerns causing the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. Papaya (Carica papaya L.) seeds, typically regarded as agricultural industry waste, are a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential allelopathic properties. This study investigates the effects of aqueous papaya seed solutions (PSS) on seed germination and seedling growth in mung bean (Vigna radiata) and wheat (Triticum aestivum), with the objective of assessing their potential as natural herbicidal agents for sustainable weed management. PSS were prepared by finely grinding papaya seeds along with the pulp of ripe papaya fruits to obtain a homogeneous mixture. This mixture was then diluted with distilled water to prepare aqueous solutions at concentrations of 25%, 50%, and 75% (w/v), with distilled water alone (0%) as the control. The results indicated that PSS at concentrations of 25% significantly reduced both germination percentage (GP) and germination rate index (GRI) by more than 50% compared to the control. Growth parameters for both plant species were also significantly inhibited at this concentration. In contrast, mean germination time (MGT) and coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG) remained statistically unchanged even at 75% PSS concentration. Mitotic index were also inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, with the most pronounced effects at 50% PSS. These findings suggest that aqueous papaya seed solutions exhibit allelopathic effects and have the potential to serve as sustainable bioherbicides. Their application offers dual benefits: reducing agro-industrial waste and minimizing reliance on chemical herbicides in agricultural practices.

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