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Allelopathic properties ofPolygonella myriophylla

Field evidence and bioassays

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Abstract

Polygonella myriophylla is a perennial shrub endemic to the Florida scrub. Striking bare zones surround maturePolygonella stands. Quantitative measurements of root distribution show that fewPolygonella roots extend into the bare zones, supporting the hypothesis that the bare zones result from chemical interference byPolygonella with the growth of other species. Bioassays of soils collected biweekly for one year from beneathPolygonella, the bare zone, and adjacent grassed areas confirm that the germination and growth of grasses is reduced inPolygonella soil and soil from the surrounding bare zone. Compared to adjacent grassed area soil, the average germination of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) was 71% inPolygonella soil and 81% in bare zone soil, and average shoot dry weight was 48% inPolygonella soil and 81% in bare zone soil. Seasonal variation in the inhibition of grass germination and growth was not pronounced.

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Author notes

  1. Jeffrey D. Weidenhamer

    Present address: Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, 232 Choppin Hall, 70803, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, University of South Florida, 33620, Tampa, Florida

    Jeffrey D. Weidenhamer & John T. Romeo

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  1. Jeffrey D. Weidenhamer
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  2. John T. Romeo
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Weidenhamer, J.D., Romeo, J.T. Allelopathic properties ofPolygonella myriophylla . J Chem Ecol 15, 1957–1970 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01207430

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01207430

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