Allelopathy of Bermudagrass, Tall Fescue, Redroot Pigweed, and Cutleaf Evening Primrose on Pecan

Abstract

Two studies were conducted to determine if selected grass and dicot species had an allelopathic interaction with pecan ( Carya illinoinensis Wangenh. C. Koch). Leachate from pots with established grasses or dicots was used to irrigate container-grown pecan trees. Leachates from bermudagrass [ Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea Shreb. cv. Kentucky 31), redroot pigweed ( Amaranthus retroflexus L.), and cutleaf evening primrose ( Oenothera laciniata Hill) reduced leaf area and leaf dry weight about 20% compared to the controls. Bermudagrass, tall fescue, and primrose leachate decreased pecan root weight 17%, trunk weight 22%, and total tree dry weight 19% compared to the control. In a second study, trees were 10% shorter than the control when irrigated with bermudagrass or pigweed leachate.