| ABSTRACT: Metabolites of Aspergillus niger, prepared in malt extract (ME) broth and potato dextrose (PD) broth, were evaluated for their herbicidal activity against a noxious parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus). In laboratory assays, original (X) and diluted (½ X) fungal metabolites significantly reduced germination and seedling growth of weed. However, metabolites prepared in ME broth proved to have greater herbicidal activity than metabolites prepared in other growth medium. Original metabolites prepared in ME broth have completely hinder the germination of parthenium seeds; while those prepared in PD broth have reduced germination by 89% over control. In pot trials, one-week, two-week and three-week-old parthenium seedlings were sprayed three... |
