Exogenous application of Lantana camara Linn. flower extract enhances growth promotion in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill), a major global source of vegetable protein and oil, requires sustainable growth-enhancing strategies to meet increasing agricultural demands. This study evaluates the biostimulant potential of Lantana camara Linn. flower extract (LcFE) on the growth and physiological attributes of soybean cultivar JS335. L. camara, an invasive weed, is a phytochemically rich species known to contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, and terpenoids, which positively influence plant growth. Fresh L. camara flowers were harvested from non-agricultural areas, cleaned, blot-dried, and mechanically ground to obtain crude pulp. The crude pulp was filtered through nylon cloth to extract LcFE, which was stored at 4°C until use. Five-dayold germinated seedlings were divided into six treatment groups: T1 (control) and T2 to T6 (10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% LcFE, respectively). LcFE treatments were applied via soil drenching at five-day intervals, repeated six times under controlled environmental conditions. On the 33^rd day after sowing, plant samples were evaluated for growth parameters including plant height, root length, leaf number, biomass (shoot and root), photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and POD). Among the treatments, 10% LcFE (T2) significantly enhanced shoot and root length, biomass, and photosynthetic pigment content. LcFE also improved antioxidant enzyme activities, contributing to improved plant health and vigor. These results demonstrate that L. camara flower extract acts as a promising eco-friendly and cost-effective biostimulant, promoting vegetative and physiological development in soybean plants. This study provides a scientific basis for integrating L. camara extract into sustainable legume production practices. Further studies are needed to validate its field efficacy, optimize dosage, and elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved under diverse agro-climatic conditions.