EFFECT OF Eleusine indica EXTRACT AS A METABOLIC HERBICIDE ON THE GROWTH OF Amaranthus spinosus, Rottboellia exaltata, AND Cyperus kyllingia

Abstract

The presence of the weeds Amaranthus spinosus, Rottboellia exaltata, and Cyperus kyllingia can reduce the productivity of cultivated plants. Eleusine indica is known to contain secondary metabolites that have the potential to inhibit the growth of other plants. This study aimed to determine the effect of the concentration and dose of Eleusine indica extract on the growth of the weeds A. spinosus, R. exaltata, and C. kyllingia. The study was conducted from December 2025 to February 2026 using a factorial randomized block design (RBD) with four replications. The first factor was the E. indica extract dose, consisting of 0, 10, and 20 L/ha, while the second factor was the extract concentration, consisting of 0, 10, 20, and 30%. The observed variables included canopy height, percentage of toxicity, and dry weight of weeds. The results showed that all concentrations and doses of E. indica extract were able to inhibit weed growth, as indicated by a decrease in canopy height and dry weight of weeds, as well as an increase in the percentage of toxicity. Higher inhibition and toxicity levels were observed at concentrations of 20% and 30% compared to 10%, while the 20 L/ha application rate resulted in higher inhibition and toxicity levels than the 10 L/ha rate. The combination of a 30% concentration and a 20 L/ha application rate was the most effective treatment for suppressing weed growth. The weed A. spinosus showed the highest response to the application of E. indica extract, while R. exaltata showed a lower response.