Seeds of Achyranthes aspera L., Cassia occidentalis L. and Parthenium
hysterophorus L. were collected locally from wastelands,
whereas seeds of Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv., and Ageratum
conyzoides L. were collected from agricultural fields on the
outskirts of Chandigarh. These were surface-sterilized with sodium
hypochlorite (0.1%, w/v) for 2min, washed under running tap water
(for 5min) followed by distilled water and stored for further use