Is autotoxicity responsible for inhibition growth of new conspecific seedlings under the canopy of the invasive Acacia dealbata Link?

• DOI: 10.4067/s0717-66432017005000101
• Publication Date: 2017-06-30T13:34:53Z
• Authors: Narciso Aguilera; Lubia M. Guedes; José Becerra; Luis González
• Keywords: Allelopathy

Autotoxicity is a particular form of allelopathy and suspected to be responsible for regulating intraspecific competition under the Acacia dealbata Link (Fabaceae) canopy. Was established bioassay with controlled conditions following natural patterns plant material accumulation A. canopy determine effects chemical compounds released by leaves, bark, flowers pods invasive species on germination early growth conspecific seedlings. Morphological changes caused parts in roots seedlings grown were evaluated scanning electron microscopy. The composition behavior phytotoxicity litter throughout its phenological cycle studied. main soil identified. Most tested inhibited seedling growth, prevented root hair formation, destroyed rhizodermis altered parenchyma tissue radicles. greatest autotoxicity from both study dominated accumulated almost all cycle. Soil analysis GC-MS revealed abundance fatty acids presence steroids. These results suggest that can control new own canopy, improves interspecific competitive performance adult plants non-native range.