ALLELOPATHIC EFFECT OF EUCALYPTUS CAMALDULENSIS ON SPINACH AND LETTUCE
Abstract
This study investigated the allelopathic effects of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaf
extract on the germination and early growth of spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and lettuce
(Lactuca sativa). Fresh leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis were collected, air-dried,
ground into powder, and extracted using methanol and distilled water. The crude
extract was fractionated into n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous
fractions.Seeds of spinach and lettuce were surface-sterilized and soaked separately
in each extract fraction before being placed in Petri dishes lined with sterile filter paper.
Distilled water was used as the control treatment. The experiment was arranged in a
Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replicates. Germination percentage
was recorded, while growth parameters such as plant height and number of leaves
were measured after seven days of germination. Data obtained were analyzed using
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at p ≤ 0.05.The results showed that all extract fractions
inhibited seed germination and seedling growth compared to the control. Ethyl acetate
and n-butanol fractions exhibited the strongest inhibitory effects on germination, plant
height, and number of leaves in both crops. Lettuce was more sensitive to the
allelopathic effects of the eucalyptus extracts than spinach.The inhibitory effects
observed may be attributed to allelochemicals such as phenolic compounds and
essential oils present in Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves. This study concludes that
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