Soil biota reduce allelopathic effects of the invasive Eupatorium adenophorum

Allelopathy has been hypothesized to play a role in exotic plant invasions, and study of this process can improve our understanding of how direct and indirect plant interactions influence plant community organization and ecosystem functioning. However, allelopathic effects can be highly conditional. For example allelopathic effects demonstrated in vivo can be difficult to demonstrate in field soils. Here we tested phytotoxicity of Eupatorium adenophorum (croftonweed), one of the most destructive exotic species in China, to a native plant species Brassica rapa both in sand and in native soil. Our results suggested that natural soils from different invaded habitats alleviated or eliminated the efficacy of potential allelochemicals relative to sand cultures. When that soil is sterilized, the allelopathic effects returned; suggesting that soil biota were responsible for the reduced phytotoxicity in natural soils. Neither of the two allelopathic compounds (9-Oxo-10,11-dehydroageraphorone and 9b-Hydroxyageraphorone) of E. adenophorum could be found in natural soils infested by the invader, and when those compounds were added to the soils as leachates, they showed substantial degradation after 24 hours in natural soils but not in sand. Our findings emphasize that soil biota can reduce the allelopathic effects of invaders on other plants, and therefore can reduce community invasibility. These results also suggest that soil biota may have stronger or weaker effects on allelopathic interactions depending on how allelochemicals are delivered.     

Plant allelochemical interference or soil chemical ecology?

While allelopathy has been defined as plant-plant chemical interference, there has been much confusion about what the concept encompasses and how important it is in nature. We distinguish between (1) direct plant-plant interference mediated by allelochemicals, and (2) the effects of secondary compounds released by plants on abiotic and biotic soil processes that affect other plants.It very difficult to demonstrate direct effects of chemicals released by a plant on nearby plants. Although soil ecology-mediated effects of secondary plant compounds do not fit the classical concept of allelopathy, we find support in the literature for the hypothesis that the most important effects of compounds released into the soil environment by plants on other plants occur through such indirect effects. The emphasis on, and skepticism of, direct plant-plant allelopathic interference has led some researchers to demand unreasonably high standards of evidence for establishing even the existence of allelopathic interactions, standards that are not demanded for other plant-plant interactions such as resource competition. While the complete elucidation of the mechanisms by which allelochemicals function in the field is many years away, such elucidation is not necessary to establish the existence of allelopathic interactions.We propose that most of the phenomena broadly referred to as allelopathic interference are better conceptualized and investigated in terms of soil chemical ecology. Even when direct plant-plant allelochemical interference occur, the levels of allelochemicals in the environment and their effects on plants are heavily influenced by abiotic and biotic components of the soil ecosystem. Putting allelopathy in the context of soil ecology can further research and reduce some of the less fruitful controversy surrounding the phenomenon.     

Allelopathic Bacteria and Their Impact on Higher Plants

The impact of allelopathic, nonpathogenic bacteria on plant growth in natural and agricultural ecosystems is discussed. In some natural ecosystems, evidence supports the view that in the vicinity of some allelopathically active perennials (e.g., Adenostoma fasciculatum, California), in addition to allelochemicals leached from the shrub's canopy, accumulation of phytotoxic bacteria or other allelopathic microorganisms amplify retardation of annuals. In agricultural ecosystems allelopathic bacteria may evolve in areas where a single crop is grown successively, and the resulting yield decline cannot be restored by application of minerals. Transfer of soils from areas where crop suppression had been recorded into an unaffected area induced crop retardation without readily apparent symptoms of plant disease. Susceptibility of higher plants to deleterious rhizobacteria is often manifested in sandy or so-called skeletal soils. Evaluation of phytotoxic activity under controlled conditions, as well as ways to apply allelopathic bacteria in the field, is approached. The allelopathic effect may occur directly through the release of allelochemicals by a bacterium that affects susceptible plant(s) or indirectly through the suppression of an essential symbiont. The process is affected by nutritional and other environmental conditions, some may control bacterial density and the rate of production of allelochemicals. Allelopathic nonpathogenic bacteria include a wide range of genera and secrete a diverse group of plant growth-mediating allelochemicals. Although a limited number of plant growth-promoting bacterial allelochemicals have been identified, a considerable number of highly diversified growth-inhibiting allelochemicals have been isolated and characterized. Some species may produce more than one allelochemical; for example, three different phyotoxins, geldanamycin, nigericin, and hydanthocidin, were isolated from Streptomyces hygroscopicus. Efforts to introduce naturally produced allelochemicals as plant growth-regulating agents in agriculture have yielded two commercial herbicides, phosphinothricin, a product of Streptomyces viridochromogenes, and bialaphos from S. hygroscopicus. Many species of allelopathic bacteria that affect growth of higher plants are not plant specific, but some do exhibit specificity; for example, dicotyledonous plants were more susceptible to Pseudomonas putida than were monocotyledons. Differential susceptibility of higher plants to allelopathic bacteria was noted also in much lower taxonomical categories, at the subspecies level, in different cultivars of wheat, or of lettuce. Therefore, when test plants are employed to evaluate bacterial allelopathy, final evaluation must include those species that are assumed to be suppressed in nature. The release of allelochemicals from plant residues in plots of ‘continuous crop cultivation’ or from allelopathic living plants may induce the development of specific allelopathic bacteria. Both the rate by which a bacterium gains from its allelopathic activity through utilizing plant excretions, and the reasons for the developing of allelopathic bacteria in such habitats, are important goals for further research.     

植物化感物质及化感潜力与土壤养分的相互影响

植物化感作用与许多生态因子有关.土壤养分缺乏,影响着许多植物化感物质的产生,从而影响植物的化感潜力;反过来,植物化感物质也通过络合、吸附、酸溶解、竞争、抑制等方式影响土壤的养分形态和水平.本文总结了植物化感物质及化感潜力与土壤养分的相互影响,并提出了今后该领域值得进一步研究的问题.包括以下几方面：加强植物化感研究与土壤 植物营养学研究的结合,以更深入地阐明植物化感物质、化感作用与土壤养分变化的关系;加强植物化感研究与生态系统养分循环研究的结合,以类似自然（nature-like）的方式模拟自然界植物所受的养分干,使养分干扰的化感研究结果更加逼真、可靠;加强对养分过量及受污染时植物化感作用的研究,为揭示农业和林业生产中植物的相互作用机制和生物量变化机制提供新的思路,为生态保护提供科学依据.     

Challenges,achievements and opportunities in allelopathy research

Abstract

Allelopathy is defined as the suppression of any aspect of growth and/or development of one plant by another through the release of chemical compounds. Although allelopathic interference has been demonstrated many times using in vitro experiments, few studies have clearly demonstrated allelopathy in natural settings. This difficulty reflects the complexity in examining and demonstrating allelopathic interactions under field conditions. In this paper we address a number of issues related to the complexity of allelopathic interference in higher plants: These are: (i) is a demonstrated pattern or zone of inhibition important in documenting allelopathy? (ii) is it ecologically relevant to explain the allelopathic potential of a species based on a single bioactive chemical? (iii) what is the significance of the various modes of allelochemical release from the plant into the environment? (iv) do soil characteristics clearly influence allelopathic activity? (v) is it necessary to exclude other plant interference mechanisms?, and (vi) how can new achievements in allelopathy research aid in solving problems related to relevant ecological issues encountered in research conducted upon natural systems and agroecosystems? A greater knowledge of plant interactions in ecologically relevant environments, as well as the study of biochemical pathways, will enhance our understanding of the role of allelopathy in agricultural and natural settings. In addition, novel findings related to the relevant enzymes and genes involved in production of putative allelochemicals, allelochemical persistence in the rhizosphere, the molecular target sites of allelochemicals in sensitive plant species and the influence of allelochemicals upon other organisms will likely lead to enhanced utilization of natural products for pest management or as pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. This review will address these recent findings, as well as the major challenges which continue to influence the outcomes of allelopathy research.     

Roles of Allelopathy in Plant Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture

Allelopathic compounds are metabolites released from plants that might be beneficial or detrimental to the growth of receptor plants. These compounds are involved in the environmental complex of managed or natural ecosystems. Allelopathic compounds have been shown to play important roles in the determination of plant diversity, dominance, succession, and climax of natural vegetation and in the plant productivity of agroecosystems. The overuse of synthetic agrochemicals often causes environmental hazards, an imbalance of soil microorganisms, nutrient deficiency, and change of soil physicochemical properties, resulting in a decrease of crop productivity. The incorporation of allelopathic substances into agricultural management may reduce the use of synthetic herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides and lessen environmental deterioration. Scientists in many different habitats around the world have demonstrated the above examples previously. It is known that most volatile compounds, such as terpenoids, are released from plants in drought areas. In contrast, water-borne phytotoxins, such as phenolics, flavonoids, or alkaloids, are released from plants in humid zone areas. Both allelopathy and autointoxication play an important mechanism in regulating plant biodiversity and plant productivity. A unique case study of a pasture-forest intercropping system, which is particularly emphasized here, could be used as a model for forest management. After the deforestation of coniferous or hardwood forests, a pasture grass, kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum), was transplanted onto the land. The grass was quickly established within 6 months. Significant suppression of weed growth by the kikuyu grass was found; however, the growth of coniferous or hardwood plants was not suppressed but stimulated. This example as well as others described in this text clearly indicate that allelopathy plays a significant role in sustainable agriculture. Nevertheless, room for allelopathic research in the next century is available for biologists, biochemists, biotechnologists, and chemists. Future allelopathic research should focus on the following tasks: (1) a continuous survey of potential allelochemicals from natural vegetation or microorganisms, (2) the establishment of practical ways of using allelochemicals in the field, (3) to understand the mode of action of allelopathic chemicals in receptor organisms, (4) to understand the role of allelopathic chemicals in biodiversity and ecosystem function, (5) to explore advanced biotechnology for allocating allelopathic chemical genes in plants or microorganisms for biological control, and (6) to challenge the natural product chemists to develop a better methodology for isolating allelopathic compounds or their degraded compounds from the environment, particularly the soil environment.     

丛枝菌根菌丝网络在植物互作中的作用机制研究进展

植物间的相互作用是生态学领域关注的重要方向之一,其对高效利用养分资源、提高生产力以及构建植物群落均具有重要意义。丛枝菌根真菌是重要的植物互惠共生微生物,其菌丝可以将邻近植物的根部连接起来,形成共同的菌丝网络(CMNs),这些网络对转移养分、水分以及调节植物群落具有重要作用。近期的研究表明,CMNs可以充当植物之间传递病害和蚜虫诱导信号的通道,并激活邻近植物(未受感染)的化学防御。本文围绕最新的CMNs在植物相互作用中的研究成果,总结了影响CMNs规模及其功能活性的主要因素,阐述了CMNs在植物间养分、水分转移及再分配中的作用,并对CMNs在地下化学信号交流、幼苗建植及群落构建的作用机制进行了系统回顾,最后展望了该研究领域中存在的问题,旨在为进一步理解CMNs在植物互作中的生态学功能提供参考。     

Potential allelopathic effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">grandis</Emphasis> across a range of plantation ages

Allelopathy of the eucalypt has been considered as an important mechanism for the biodiversity reduction in the eucalypt plantation. To understand the allelopathic potential of the eucalypt (Eucalyptus grandis) roots and rhizosphere soil along a chronosequence (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 years), the germination and growth characteristics of three plant species (Raphanus sativus, Phaseolus aureus, and Lolium perenne) growing nearby or beneath the eucalypt plantations were measured. The results showed that aqueous extract of E. grandis root suppressed the germination and early seedling growth of the target plants. The younger E. grandis exhibited a comparatively stronger allelopathic potential. The highest dose root extracts from 4 years old E. grandis showed the strongest inhibitory effects on the germination rates of the target species, the inhibitory rates were about 48, 51.2, and 56.56% for R. sativus, P. aureus, and L. perenne, respectively. However, present biotests of rhizosphere soils from 6, 8, and 10-year-old plantations exhibited a remarkable stimulative effect on L. perenne, which indicated that the soil might neutralize or dilute allelopathic agents with the increase of plantation age. In addition, according to GC–MS analysis, more allelopathic potential compounds were found in the rhizosphere soil and roots of younger E. grandis plantation. Moreover, more allelochemicals were obtained from soil than from roots. The allelopathic compounds in roots and rhizosphere soil may play important roles in allelopathy of E. grandis plantation. More attention should be paid to the younger E. grandis plantations for the relative higher allelopathic effects.     

Allelopathic interactions between plants. Multi site action of allelochemicals

Allelopathy is defined as mechanism of plant-plant, plant-microorganisms, plant-virus, plant-insect, and plant-soil-plant interactions mediated by plant- or microorganism-produced chemicals released to the environment. The majority of allelochemicals are secondary metabolites and among others belong to terpenoids, phenolic compounds, organic cyanides and longchain fatty acids. The action of allelochemicals in target plant is diverse and affects a large number of biochemical reactions resulting in modifications of different physiological functions. Thus the results of allelochemical action can be detected at different levels of plant organization: molecular, structural, biochemical, physiological and ecological. Enzyme activities, cell division and ultrastructure, membrane permeability, ion uptake and as a consequence plant growth and development are modified by allelochemicals. Significant effects on photosynthesis and respiration are the best-characterized results of allelopathic interactions. Moreover allelopathic compounds seem to induce a secondary oxidative stress expressed as enhanced free radical production and induction of cellular antioxidant system. Plant survival under allelopathy stress conditions depends on plant defense leading to allelochemical detoxication, the process which may go on in parallel to cell defense reaction to oxidative stress. The article presents some aspects of the current knowledge regarding mechanisms of the allelopathy phenomenon. The allelopathy is a complex problem, thus comprehensive understanding of allelochemical mode of action requires further investigation and still remains an open question.     

Unravelling the beneficial role of microbial contributors in reducing the allelopathic effects of weeds

The field of allelopathy is one of the most fascinating but controversial processes in plant ecology that offers an exciting, interdisciplinary, complex, and challenging study. In spite of the established role of soil microbes in plant health, their role has also been consolidated in studies of allelopathy. Moreover, allelopathy can be better understood by incorporating soil microbial ecology that determines the relevance of allelopathy phenomenon. Therefore, while discussing the role of allelochemicals in plant–plant interactions, the dynamic nature of soil microbes should not be overlooked. The occurrence and toxicity of allelochemicals in soil depend on various factors, but the type of microflora in the surroundings plays a crucial role because it can interfere with its allelopathic nature. Such microbes could be of prime importance for biological control management of weeds reducing the cost and ill effects of chemical herbicides. Among microbes, our main focus is on bacteria—as they are dominant among other microbes and are being used for enhancing crop production for decades—and fungi. Hence, to refer to both bacteria and fungi, we have used the term microbes. This review discusses the beneficial role of microbes in reducing the allelopathic effects of weeds. The review is mainly focused on various functions of bacteria in (1) reducing allelopathic inhibition caused by weeds to reduce crop yield loss, (2) building inherent defense capacity in plants against allelopathic weed, and (3) deciphering beneficial rhizospheric process such as chemotaxis/biofilm, degradation of toxic allelochemicals, and induced gene expression.     

Allelochemicals released by rice roots and residues in soil

A few rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties or rice straw produce and release allelochemicals into soil in which interfere with the growth of neighboring or successive plants. Allelopathic rice PI312777 and Huagan-1 at their early growth stages released momilactone B, 3-isopropyl-5-acetoxycyclohexene-2-one-1, and 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3′,5′-dimethoxyflavone into soil at phytotoxic levels, but non-allelopathic rice Huajingxian did not. Both allelopathic and non-allelopathic rice residues released momilactone B and lignin-related phenolic acids (p-hydroxybenzoic, p-coumaric, ferulic, syringic and vanillic acids) into the soil during residue decomposition to inhibit successive plants. The results indicated that allelochemicals involved in rice allelopathy from living and dead plants are substantially different. Interestingly, the concentrations of the allelochemicals released from the allelopathic rice seedlings in soil increased dramatically when they were surrounded with Echinochloa crus-galli. The concentrations of the allelochemicals were over 3-fold higher in the presence of E. crus-galli than in the absence of E. crus-galli. However, the same case did not occur in non-allelopathic Huajingxian seedlings surrounded with E. crus-galli. In addition to allelochemical exudation being promoted by the presence of E. crus-galli, allelopathic rice seedlings also increased allelochemical exudation in response to exudates of germinated E. crus-galli seeds or lepidimoide, an uronic acid derivative exuded from E. crus-galli seeds. These results imply that allelopathic rice seedlings can sense certain allelochemicals released by E. crus-galli into the soil, and respond by increased production of allelochemicals inhibitory to E. crus-galli. This study suggests that rice residues of both allelopathic and non-allelopathic varieties release similar concentrations and types of allelochemicals to inhibit successive plants. In contrast, living rice plants of certain allelopathic varieties appear to be able to detect the presence of interspecific neighbors and respond by increased allelochemicals.     

Biochemical frontiers of allelopathy

Allelopathic interactions between plants and other organisms have been recognized by scientists worldwide because they offer alternative uses in agriculture, such as decreasing our reliance on synthetic herbicides, insecticides, and nematicides for disease and insect control. The recognition of the role that allelopathy can have in producing optimum crop yields is of fundamental importance. Despite much optimism and some progress in unravelling the complexities of biochemical interactions between species, a firm foundation for the scientific rationale of the existence and function of the allelopathic phenomenon has not been developed. Allelopathic chemicals are primarily secondary products of plant metabolism which have been an enigma to plant scientists; however, they undergo a variety of reactions with plant, insect and animal species that inhibit or stimulate their growth and development. Examples of some allelochemicals and their basis of molecular and biological action are shown: interaction between the unicorn plant (Proboscidea louisianica L.) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.); diterpenoid alkaloids (fromDelphinium ajacis L.) as allelochemicals; substances that occur in wheat (Tritcum aestivum) and wheat soil that cause autotoxic effects; alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) root saponins as allelochemicals; humic acids from wheat soil as allelochemicals; and structure-function of flavonols serving as allelochemicals in chloroplast-mediated electron transport and phosphorylation. This paper concludes with a discussion of some frontier areas of research in allelopathy.     

Can allelopathically active submerged macrophytes stabilise clear-water states in shallow lakes?

Inhibition of phytoplankton by allelochemicals released by submerged macrophytes is supposed to be one of the mechanisms that contribute to the stabilisation of clear-water states in shallow lakes. The relevance of this process at ecosystem level, however, is debated because in situ evidence is difficult to achieve. Our literature review indicates that allelopathically active species such as Myriophyllum, Ceratophyllum, Elodea and Najas or certain charophytes are among the most frequent submerged macrophytes in temperate shallow lakes. The most common experimental approach for allelopathic interference between macrophytes and phytoplankton has been the use of plant extracts or purified plant compounds. Final evidence, however, requires combination with more realistic in situ experiments. Such investigations have successfully been performed with selected species. In situ allelopathic activity is also influenced by the fact that phytoplankton species exhibit differential sensitivity against allelochemicals both between and within major taxonomic groups such as diatoms, cyanobacteria and chlorophytes. In general, epiphytic species apparently are less sensitive towards allelochemicals than phytoplankton despite living closely attached to the plants and being of key importance for macrophyte growth due to their shading. Light and nutrient availability potentially influence the sensitivity of target algae and cyanobacteria. Whether or not additional stressors such as nutrient limitation enhance or dampen allelopathic interactions still has to be clarified. We strongly propose allelopathy as an important mechanism in the interaction between submerged macrophytes and phytoplankton in shallow lakes based on the frequent occurrence of active species and the knowledge of potential target species. The role of allelopathy interfering with epiphyton development is less well understood. Including further levels of complexity, such as nutrient interference, grazing and climate, will extend this ecosystem-based view of in situ allelopathy.     

Testing for allelopathy in invasive plants: it all depends on the substrate!

Invasive plants can affect native plants through competition or allelopathy, and researchers often use pot experiments as a tool to measure the strength of these interactions. Recently, such pot experiments provided inconsistent estimates of the impact and allelopathic potential of invasive knotweed, one of the world’s most successful plant invaders. We suspected that the inconsistencies may be explained by the use of different substrates in different experiments. To test this, we conducted an experiment in which knotweed competed pairwise with five common native European species in several different substrates: two compost-based potting substrates and two natural soils, with or without extra fertilizer added. To test for allelopathy, we added activated carbon to half of the pots. We found that knotweed was generally much more successful, and there was much more evidence for its allelopathy, when tested in artificial potting substrates than in natural soils. Furthermore, addition of extra fertilizer decreased the dominance of knotweed and changed patterns of allelopathy. The physicochemical properties of potting soil, such as lower bulk density, higher pore space, permeability and nitrogen content may better allow rhizomes to penetrate and/or allelochemicals to be produced and diffused. If artificial substrates generally exaggerate dominance and allelopathy also in other invasive plants, then many previous studies may have overestimated the potential impact of invaders, and the results of these experiments should be interpreted with caution. To avoid misleading results, experiments that test the competitive or allelopathic impact of invasive plants should be done with natural soils, preferably from the targeted habitats.     

Phytotoxic effects of (+/-)-catechin in vitro, in soil, and in the field

Background

Exploring the residence time of allelochemicals released by plants into different soils, episodic exposure of plants to allelochemicals, and the effects of allelochemicals in the field has the potential to improve our understanding of interactions among plants.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We conducted experiments in India and the USA to understand the dynamics of soil concentrations and phytotoxicity of (±)-catechin, an allelopathic compound exuded from the roots of Centaurea maculosa, to other plants in vitro and in soil. Experiments with single and pulsed applications into soil were conducted in the field. Experimental application of (±)-catechin to soils always resulted in concentrations that were far lower than the amounts added but within the range of reported natural soil concentrations. Pulses replenished (±)-catechin levels in soils, but consistently at concentrations much lower than were applied, and even pulsed concentrations declined rapidly. Different natural soils varied substantially in the retention of (±)-catechin after application but consistent rapid decreases in concentrations over time suggested that applied experimental concentrations may overestimate concentrations necessary for phytotoxicity by over an order of magnitude. (±)-Catechin was not phytotoxic to Bambusa arundinacea in natural Indian soil in a single pulse, but soil concentrations at the time of planting seeds were either undetectable or very low. However, a single dose of (±)-catechin suppressed the growth of bamboo in sand, in soil mixed with organic matter, and Koeleria macrantha in soils from Montana and Romania, and in field applications at 40 µg l⁻¹. Multiple pulses of (±)-catechin were inhibitory at very low concentrations in Indian soil.

Conclusions/Significance

Our results demonstrate that (±)-catechin is highly dynamic in natural soils, but is phytotoxic well below natural concentrations measured in some soils and applied at low concentrations in the field. However, there is substantial conditionality in the effects of the allelochemical.     

From plant traits to invasion success: Impacts of the alien Fallopia japonica (Houtt.) Ronse Decraene on two native grassland species

Alien invasive plants threaten biodiversity, productivity and ecosystem functioning throughout the world. We examined the effect of Fallopia japonica on two native grassland species (Trifolium repens, Lolium perenne). We hypothesized that its negative effects on the native species are dependent on three mechanisms: (i) allelochemicals released and accumulated in soil with a history of invasion, (ii) altered soil biota and (iii) direct resource competition. We measured the response of the native species as the difference in their functional traits when grown under the three conditions. Our results demonstrate that neither allelochemicals nor soil biota from soil with history of F. japonica invasion had measurable effects on either species. Competition with the invader strongly reduced height, biomass and specific leaf area (SLA) of T. repens, while it had a lower effect on L. perenne. Furthermore, our results reveal that F. japonica took advantage of a positive plant–soil and plant–plant interaction. The results show that the prominent mechanism underpinning the invasion success of F. japonica in the grassland was the direct resource competition. This prominent role is also confirmed by the significant interactions between competition, allelochemicals and soil biota from soils with history of invasion of F. japonica on SLA of the native species.     

The role of allelopathy in biochemical ecology: Experience from Taiwan

Allelopathic compounds, including fatty acids, phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids, have been found in various plants and soils of different habitats in Taiwan since 1972. For example, in a monoculture of rice plants, phytotoxins were produced during the decomposition of rice residues in soil, suppressed the growth of rice seedlings, and reduced the numbers of tillers and panicles, leading to yield reduction. The allelopathic metabolites are also affected by environmental factors, such as oxygen, temperature, soil moisture, microbial activity, and levels of fertilizers in soil, and allelopathy was pronounced in areas where environmental stresses were severe. Substantial amounts of phytotoxic mimosine and phenolics were released into soil by plant parts of Leucaenaleucocephala, and these suppressed the growth of many understory species except that of L.leucocephala itself. A unique pattern of absence of understory plants was ubiquitous beneathPhyllostachys edulis, due primarily to an allelopathic effect. In a forest pasture intercropping, an aggressive kikuyu grass was planted in a deforested land where Chinese fir grew previously, to help in understanding the mechanism of biological interactions between plants. Aqueous soil leachate and extracts of the grass significantly, retarded the growth of local weeds but not that of the Chinese fir. Allelopathy thus plays an appreciable role in natural vegetation and plantations in Taiwan.     

Soil microbial communities alter allelopathic competition between <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alliaria petiolata</Emphasis> and a native species

Allelopathy has been increasingly invoked as a mechanism facilitating exotic plant invasions. However, studies even on the same target species often yield varying results concerning the strength and importance of allelopathic inhibition, suggesting that the process may depend on the specific environmental context. Here I studied how the allelopathic inhibition of sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) seedlings by garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) depended on the presence of a soil microbial community. Using three analytical approaches to quantifying allelopathy, I consistently found allelopathic inhibition only in sterilized soils, suggesting that certain microbial taxa inhibit the process, possibly by degrading the allelochemicals. Determining the environmental contexts that reduce or eliminate allelopathic inhibition could lead to a greater understanding of the spatial variation in invasion success and potentially lead to new avenues for management.     

茉莉酮酸甲酯对水稻化感物质的诱导效应

在室内和田间条件下 ,外源茉莉酮酸甲酯均能显著地诱导水稻化感物质的合成 ,而且这种诱导效应与施用茉莉酮酸甲酯的浓度和诱导时间显著相关。 0 .4 m mol/L浓度和处理后 4 8h,茉莉酮酸甲酯对水稻化感物质的诱导效应最强。同样 ,不同的水稻品种对茉莉酮酸甲酯的诱导响应也有显著差异。水稻化感品种 PI312 777和丰华占在茉莉酮酸甲酯的诱导下能很快合成大量的化感物质 ,而水稻非化感品种华粳籼的化感物质的含量虽也有所增加 ,但达不到能显示化感作用的浓度。进一步实验证明 :茉莉酮酸甲酯在处理 4 8h后虽能诱导水稻品种合成大量的化感物质 ,但这一诱导效应并不能长期维持。研究揭示 :水稻化感物质的合成可在外部因子的作用下动态变化 ,这对揭示和充分利用水稻的化感作用机制有重要意义。