Abstract:
Ageratum conyzoides, and Imperata cylindrica are cosmopolite weeds in agricultural land that can reduce the productivity of cultivated plants. This study aims to analyze the effects of A. conyzoides leaf biomass and I. cylindrica grown in the planting medium on the germination percentage and growth of mung beans (Vigna radiata). The research was conducted by making 3 (three) replications of each treatment. Treatment A involves a planting medium mixed with A. conyzoides leaf biomass, Treatment B consists of a used planting medium overgrown with I. cylindrica, and the Control Treatment serves as a reference. ANOVA test and Tukey HSD test were conducted using R-Studio. The results indicated that both Treatments A and B reduced the germination success of mung beans compared to the control group, which had a germination rate of 97%. Treatment A achieved only a 60% germination rate, while Treatment B recorded 50%. Notable changes were observed in leaf number and root length, while plant height changes were less significant. The allelopathic effect was stronger in Treatment A than in Treatment B. The biomass of A. conyzoides and the used media from I. cylindrica demonstrated potential to inhibit the germination and early growth of mung beans. This study also emphasizes the potential of utilizing allelopathic compounds from both species as environmentally sustainable bioherbicides. Their use can reduce chemical exposure, reduce production costs, and maintain the ecosystem. These bioherbicides have the opportunity to be integrated into integrated pest management (IPM) strategies in food crops to support sustainable agriculture.
