Texas Journal of Science · 2000 · 15 citations · 0 references
AgriculturePlant BiologyPlant SciencesAllelopathyPlant EcologyPlant EcophysiologyAllelopathic InteractionsAllelopathic MechanismsCrop AllelopathyInvasive Plant EcologyPlant Invasion EcologyPlant-soil InteractionsAllelopathic Effects On Crop GerminationAllelopathic Effects On Crop GrowthAllelopathic Effects On GerminationAllelopathic Effects On Seed GerminationAllelopathic StressAqueous Plant ExtractsCompetition With Native PlantsGermination Rate
The rapid transition from grassland to Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum) woodland may be partly due to allelopathic effects on native plants. A bioassay was performed using aqueous extracts of Sapium or little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Schizachyrium seeds. Schizachyrium germination rates and germination timing were unaffected by watering treatments. Growth of Schizachyrium seedlings was significantly facilitated by watering with Sapium extracts versus watering with water. These results suggest that allelopathic effects are not responsible for the competitive success of Sapium in coastal prairies.