Allelopathic Efficacy of Zingiber officinale Rosc Aqueous Leaf, Stem and Rhizome Extract on Biochemical Parameters of Zea mays L.

Abstract

In the present study an attempt was been made to assess the allelopathic effect of ginger on biochemical parameters of maize. The aqueous leaf, stem and rhizome extract of ginger showed inhibitory effects on protein, carbohydrate, chlorophyll and phenol content.  The chl. a, b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid content were found to be decreased as the concentration of the extract increased. The total carbohydrate, total phenol and total protein content in root –shoot axis decreased as the concentration of the extract increased on the other hand in endosperm all these parameters were found to be increased as the concentration of the extract increased. The results of present investigation showed that negative effect of ginger aqueous leaf, stem and rhizome extract may be due to the presence of allelochemicals viz. phenols, terpinoids and steroids.