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7. Allelopathic Impact of Sun-flower of Punjab Crops

The project was taken up by Panjab University, Chandigarh from 1989-93 to study the allelochems of sunflower and identify their allelopathic impact on succeeding year crops and its potential use as a bioherbicide for control of weeds. Nine plant species were studied for their susceptibility towards aqueous leachates of sunflower. The study reports that after harvest of sunflower crop cultivation of pulses should be avoided and cultivation of forage crops should be preferred. A fallowing period of minimum 3 months be allowed before sowing of next crop to avoid their toxic effects. Further, hybrid variety sunflower is safer than the desi variety. The project recommends that repeated cultivation of sunflower in the same area should be discouraged in the interest of the soil health.

Results of the study as well as recommendations emerging out of it have been circulated to the Deptt. of Agriculture, Distt. level Agricultural officers, NGOs, PAU, Ludhiana, other important agricultural universities of the region, important research bodies of India and S&T councils of different states.

Contact Person: Dr. Neelima Jerath, neelimajerath@pscst.com