Influence of argemone mexicana L. leaf and stem extracts on germination, early seedling growth and biochemical parameters of Cicer arietinum L.

he aqueous leaf and stem extract of Argemone mexicana showed stimulatory activity in leaf extract and inhibitory effects in stem extracts on seed germination, shoot length, root length, percent phytotoxicity, vigour index, fresh weight, dry weight, total chlorophyll, carbohydrate, protein and phenol content in Cicer arietinum (Bengal gram) seedlings. Germination and biochemical parameters were found to be increased and decreased with increasing the Argemone mexicana leaf and stem extract concentrations from 5 to 25 % respectively, when compared to control. In all the parameters in leaf and stem extract maximum and minimum value were observed at 25%, 5% and 5%, 25% concentration respectively, when compared to control. The results of the present study clearly showed that inhibitory and stimulatory effect of Argemone mexicana aqueous leaf and stem extract may be due to the presence of secondary metabolites like. terpinoids, tannins, phenols and steroids