A laboratory experiment was conducted to study the effect of rice straw on the germination and seedling growth of four major weed species of wheat viz. Phalaris minor, Vicia sativa, Medicago denticulata and Lathyrus aphaca. Straw of three rice genotypes, Pant Dhan 16, UPR 2962-6-2-1 and UPR 2992-17-3-1, was added to petri dishes at two different doses (1g and 2g) on which weed seeds were allowed to germinate. It was observed that germination and seedling growth of all the four weed species was adversely affected by rice straw. Straw of the rice genotype UPR 2962-6-2-1 had maximum inhibitory effect and among the weed species Phalaris minor and Medicago denticulata were more sensitive to rice straw. Analysis of phenolics content of rice straw revealed maximum phenolics in the genotype UPR 2962- 6-2-1.  This shows the potential of rice straw incorporation in soil for weed management.