Wasihun Regu

Allelopathic Effects of Eucalyptus Species on Agricultural Crops: Allelopathic Effects of Eucalyptus Camaldulensis and Eucalyptus Grandis on Phaseolus Vulgaris and Zea Mays Wasihun Regu

In agroforestry, the role of multipurpose tree species cannot be overlooked as they provide food, fodder, fuel-wood, and social security to the growers. Some species improve the soil and some species may cause adverse effect on long-term basis. While planning mixed plantation or agroforestry, knowledge on allelopathic interactions are important for obtaining better output. Because plants in nature receive allelochemicals mainly from the soil and for allelopathy to receive due recognition in plant ecosystems it must be proved to occur in the soil environment. Evaluation of Eucalyptus allelopathic effect may hence be important for the assessment of the ecological impact on agricultural crops. The information may encourage farmers to select promising tree and food crop combination to develop a productive,sustainable, and ecologically stable agroforestry system.