Allelopathic Effect of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Extracts on the Germination and Viability of Cowpea Seedlings

Abstract

Allelopathic effect of Neem extracts on the germination and viability of Cowpea seedlings was investigated. The experimental design adopted was complete randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. The three treatments were; (1) Control (distilled water), (2) neem root extract and (3) neem leaf extract. Leaves and root of the Azadirachta indica were extracted using distilled water. Distilled water was used as the control. The result of this study showed that the root extract has greater inhibiting effect on the germination and growth of the selected cowpea. Neem extract have been proved effective. It was suggested that the root extract of the neem has greater phenolic compounds than the leaves, this result in the wide significant differences among the treatments (root, leaves and the control).