Phytotoxic potential of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates (DC.) Stapf).

chemical composition was analyzed by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry. Lettuce (indicator plant) seeds were germinated in essential oil and two by products of hydro distillation at 1000, 5000, 10000 and 15000 ppm concentrations. The effects of soil samples, collected from the rhizosphere, ground residue of leaves, stalks and roots. We determined in the seed germination and seedling growth lettuce. All concentrations (1000 ppm, 5000 ppm, 10000ppm, 15000 ppm) of essential oil completely inhibited seed germination. Both discarded solutions after hydro distillation were also inhibitory to lettuce. The soil samples collected from the rhizosphere, significantly (P = 0.05) reduced the shoot length and root length in 2- week old lettuce seedlings but there was no effect of the type and amount of residue incorporated. Citral, ß- Citral, Geraniol, a Pinene, cis - Verbenol chemical compounds were identified in the oil. The phytotoxic root exudates, plant residues, essential oil and byproducts after hydro distillation of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates (DC) Stapf) may be explored for weed management as alternative to herbicides.