DOI: 10.11648/j.ajset.20261104.11 ISSN: 2578-8353

Allelopathic Effect of Chromolaena odorata (L.) R. M. King & H. Rob. on Neighboring Crop P lants

Aishwarya Mohanty, Manoja Das, Prasanna Gantayat
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The highly invasive weed Chromolaena odorata (L.) R. M. King & H. Rob. is well known for its strong allelopathic and competitive effects in agricultural ecosystems. The current study investigated the negative impact on the growth of three economically important crops—rice (Oryza sativa L.), moong dal (Vigna radiata L.), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)—when grown in proximity to weeds. Laboratory experiments compared crop growth with and without C. odorata. The results revealed significant suppression of crop growth due to the weed's antagonistic effects. Among the crops, moong dal was most sensitive, with a 80% decrease in growth, followed by rice, which experienced a 72% reduction. In sunflowers, reproductive development was especially affected, with an 60% decrease in head size compared to control plants. These inhibitory effects are likely caused by allelopathic compounds released by C. odorata through root exudates and decomposing residues. These chemicals may interfere with normal physiological and developmental processes in neighboring crops. Overall, the findings highlight the ecological dominance of C. odorata and its potential to reduce crop yields in agricultural systems. Understanding these crop–weed interactions is crucial for developing effective weed management strategies to minimize yield losses and promote sustainable farming practices.

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