<em>IN</em> <em>VITRO</em> BIOASSAY TO STUDY PHYTOTOXICITY EFFECTS OF <em>STEVIA</em> <em>REBAUDIANA</em> ON FOOD CROPS

Abstract

The present study dealt with the effect of leaf leachates of Stevia rebaudiana on germination and growth of three traditional food crops of Garhwal Himalaya. Results suggested that the allelopathic behaviour of S. rebaudiana was concentration dependent. Higher concentration was more toxic and significantly reduced the germination and growth of food crops. Among food crops, germination of Vigna mungo and growth of the radicle and plumule of Triticum aestivum were found to be more susceptible. Significant reduction in radicle and plumule lengths at almost all concentrations was noticed. Radicle length exhibited more sensitivity against phytotoxic activity. The degree of inhibition increased with increasing concentration of leaf leachates.