PHYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY AND SPECTROSCOPIC IDENTIFICATION OF CHROMATOGRAPHIC FRACTION OF LEAF EXTRACT OF MUSA ACUMINATA

Plants synthesize hundreds of chemical compounds for functions including defense against insect, fungi, diseases, herbivorous mammals. Phytotoxicity is the detrimental effect of a chemical or substance on plant growth, development, or productivity, resulting in alterations to plant morphology, physiology, or biochemistry. The extensive and uneven application of synthetic herbicides has caused severe environmental pollution, human health problems, and destruction of biodiversity. This research is therefore aimed to evaluate chemicals and phytotoxic potential of Musa acuminata leaves extract. Fresh leaves of Musa acuminata were collected, washed and authenticated. 50g of the powdery material was soaked in aqueous and organic solvents in a 1:5 solid-to-volume ratio and sonicated for 15min in an ultrasonic bath. Concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1% (v/v) were used for the phytotoxicity while distilled water and water-ethanol mixtures were used as the control for the respective solvents. The phytotoxic potential was tested against M. sylvestris, C. album, and L. sativum seeds and seedlings. Column was packed with silica gel and the eluent was subjected to UV analysis and FTIR Results indicated that the germination percentage of seeds was reduced significantly (p > 0.05) in response to almost all extracts, as compared to the control. the first three concentrations reduced the germination percentage to zero and up to 95% decrease was observed in M sylveris and C.album respectively. A dose-dependent relationship was observed in regards to the inhibitory impact and elongation of radicle and stem. GCMS results revealed presence of compounds such as - anthraceny|trimethylsilane,