Effects of residues of crop plants on germination and early growth of wheat

Abstract

In experiments conducted under controlled and field conditions residues of a range of crop plants were found to affect germination, emergence, height of the coleoptile and length of the longest seminal root of wheat. Rape and some leguminous crops exerted the greatest phytotoxic effects. Phytotoxicity was increased when crop residues were incorporated into soil rather than being left on the surface. The phytotoxins did not kill the test species, but it is argued that their effects would disadvantage such a species under field conditions and that instances of such effects are likely to increase as the practices of minimal tillage and stubble retention become more widely adopted.