Abstract
In agricultural fields that are surrounded by dunes, the Casuarina tree is usually used as windbreaks. In addition, it plays a significant role in inhibiting nearby vegetation growth. In this dataset, the effect of Casuarina equisetifolia-L leaf aquatic extract on seed germination and growth of four selected plant crops (Maize, Lentil, Mustard, and Wheat) was tested. Seed germination test and a greenhouse experiment were conducted to study the effects of Casuarina equisetifolia aquatic leaf extract on seed germination and seedling growth. Various concentrations of leaf extract were used (0, 1.25%, 2.5%, and 5%). Results revealed that aqueous leaf extract of Casuarina equisetifolia-L affected significantly seed germination of all selected plant crops under laboratory conditions. Both wheat and maize have a comparable reduction in root length at 2.47 cm and 2.45 cm, respectively, but show a remarkable difference in percentage at 92% and 54% respectively under the effect of 5% aqueous solution. Similarly, lentil shows the highest drop in shoot length (SL) of 69% while no significant reduction observed in Mustard (SL) at the same aqueous solution concentration (5%). In the greenhouse experiment, dried leaf powder was mixed with soil in different concentrations (0, 15, 30, and 45 g kg(-1) soil). Greenhouse experiments demonstrated that C. equisetifolia exhibited significant inhibition on wheat germination and seedling characteristics under all treatments. However, soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were examined and showed a relative reduction in pH and marked an increase in (EC).