Allelopathy effects of aqueous extract of maize leaf on Scutellaria baicalensis seeds

This study examined allelopathy effects of aqueous extract of maize (Zea mays) leaf on seed germination and seedling growth of Scutellaria baicalensis obtained from different regions and treated with different concentrations (0，0.005，0.010，0.020，0.030, and 0.040 gmL-1) of the aqueous extract. The results showed that low concentrations (0.005，0.010 and 0.020 gmL-1) of maize leaf aqueous extract stimulated the seed germination rate of S. baicalensis significantly. With the concentration of the aqueous extract increasing, the seed germination rates of all the receptors decreased gradually and were inhibited when the aqueous extract concentration reacheed a certain level. The results also indicated that maize leaf aqueous extract enhanced the root length, shoot height, relative electricity conductivity, content of soluble protein and content of soluble sugar of receptor plants. The S. baicalensis seeds treated with 0.020 gmL-1 concentration of maize leaf aqueous extract gave stronger promoting allelopathy than that of other concentration. Maize leaf aqueous extract can promote seed germination and seedling growth of S. baicalensis.