ALLELOPATHIC EFFECT OF THREE WEED SPECIES ON THE GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF TOMATO (LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM)

Laboratory and green house experiments were conducted to ascertain the effect of exudates (from vegetative parts weeds soaked in water) different ages (36hrs, 72hrs 120hrs) from three common weed species (namely, Chromolaena odorata, Ageratum conyzoides Cyperus esculentus) on seed germination seedling growth tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum). Tomato seeds sown petri-dishes filter paper moistened with treatments, another set soil, treatments applied. The C. odorata had greatest inhibitory paper, while those A. followed closely. esculentus least effect. however did not have marked inhibition soil medium; rather, they competed favorably Control. It was observed that longer soaking duration water, less their germination, water dilution. All considered showed allelopathic effects, but especially when direct contact