Efficacy of Sesame Root Exudates against Some Major Weeds of Rabi Crops

Emulsion concentrate or emulsive water (EW) formulation developed from crystallized product of sesame root exudates showed consistent adverse effect on the germination and growth of prominent weeds found in almost all rabi crops. EW formulation at 240 μg/g of soil not only delayed but also inhibited germination of lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) by 80% followed by scarlet pimpernel (Anagalis arvensis) by 75%, white sweet clover (Melilotus alba) by 65%, corn flurry (Spergula arvensis) by 60%, fumitory (Fumaria parviflora) by 55% and common vetch (Vicia sativa) by 50% over control. At 280 μg/g of soil, maximum inhibition in shoot biomass was observed in case of lambsquarters (86%) followed by fumitory (82%), common vetch (52%), corn flurry (49%), scarlet pimpernel (46%) and white sweet clover (42%) over control. Whereas based on root biomass inhibition, the toxicity trend of formulation was observed on lambasquarter by 89% followed by corn flurry (83%), sweet clover (72%), common vetch (65%), fumitory (63%) and scarlet pimpernel (58%). Based on entire biomass inhibition, it was observed more toxic to lambsquarters (86%) followed by fumitory (79%), common vetch (56%), corn flurry (50%), white sweet clover (49%) and scarlet pimpernel (48%) over control at 280 μg/g concentration.