Abstract:

The effect of leaf crude extract of Azadirachta indica on the germination and growth of Amaranthus spinosus and Amaranthus hybridus was studied. The aim was to use crude water extract from the leaves of Azadirachta indica to germinate, nurture and compare the growth of A. hybridus and A. spinosus. The plants' seeds selected were planted in polyethylene bags filled with loamy soil, and different extract concentrations of 0ml, 5ml 10ml, and 15ml dilutions were used to water the plants. The plants were well watered with extracts of three different concentrations and allowed to grow under natural environmental conditions. Parameters measured include germination percentage, the height of plants, the number of leaves, and the leaf area of the plant. It was observed that there was delayed germination of Amaranthus hybrids and Amaranthus spinosus seeds as the concentration of A. indica increased. The study showed that the extract of A. indica had a negative effect on the growth of A. spinosus and A. hybridus. The effect was significantly higher at higher concentrations of the extracts. Azadirachta indica extract significantly reduced the leaf area, number of leaves, and stem height in A. spinosus and A. hybridus compared to the control. The study further showed that the sensitivity of A. spinosus and A. hybridus to the plant extract differed. From the study, A. indica had a more negative effect on A. spinosus, revealing more inhibitory activity on the growth of A. spinosusthan on A. hybridus.