Allelopathic effect of invasive Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) on early growth of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.)

Abstract

Solidago canadensis belongs to highly invasive species in Europe, it is established in ruderal, semi-natural and natural communities. To test the traits related to invasiveness, the experiment with the potential of allelopathic compounds produced by the species was conducted. The aqueous extract from the goldenrod leaves was used to examine the germination and early stages of development of Trifolium pratense, the species as an example of fodder plant common in meadows and pastures. Three types of aqueous extract were used: decoction, infusion, and macerate. All extracts of Canadian goldenrod had a negative influence on the germination process of red clover, however, the effect changed in time and type of extract. The most inhibiting influence was documented for the macerate type of aqueous extract. Similarly, the negative influence of macerate was the highest for the length and weight of the seedlings, the content of chlorophyll a and b, and electrolyte leakage. As the procedure of obtaining the macerate is the most like the process of natural extraction of allelopathic substances in nature, there is the practical conclusion to remove the moved biomass of the goldenrod during the restoration process of areas colonised by the species.

Survey of the Solidago canadensis L. Morphological Traits and Essential Oil Production: Aboveground Biomass Growth and Abundance of the Invasive Goldenrod Appears to Be Reciprocally Enhanced within the Invaded Stands

“…Thus, most of goldenrods biomass remains in the stand, available to be utilized, in comparison to native, regularly mowed grasslands, where the harvested biomass is removed. Furthermore, remaining goldenrod biomass and litter can release the macerate of the allelopathic secondary chemical compounds [41]. Yet, the various extracts from goldenrods rhizomes, stems, or leaves can inhibit germination, as well as radical elongation, of the native species [8,9,11,12,42].…”

“…Our other, processed, but yet unpublished, data indicate that Canadian goldenrod EO phytotoxicity varies not only during the growing season but also according to Solidago degree of invasion within the stand of the plants' material origin. Except volatilization from the green plants, releasing of these secondary metabolites from the remained goldenrod biomass and litter can be supposed [41]. The harmful impact of the Solidago essential oil on the native plants germination and growth should be taken into account [10,26].…”

“…Consequently, as the Canadian goldenrod concurrently contains several biologically valuable features, practical utilization of the harvested aboveground biomass should be subsequent as much as possible, to give the mowing management more than a superficial purpose. In the context of the management goal, removing of the harvested plants seems to be crucial, as the remaining Solidago biomass supports its growth via positive feedback on the soil processes [36], as well as through releasing the macerate with allelopathic effect [41] (as mentioned above).…”

Ecophysiological Parameters of Medicinal Plant Filipendula vulgaris in Diverse Habitat Conditions

“…This is additionally confirmed by the factor 690/735, which is inversely proportional to the chlorophyll content [ 95 , 96 ]; its higher value means less chlorophyll in plants from Molinia meadows (MM). Dropwort specimens from Molinia meadows are also characterized by a greater leakage of electrolytes from the leaf cell membranes ( Figure 5 ) and greater production of hydrogen peroxide ( Figure 7 ), which is also a significant sign of environmental stress, e.g., [ 4 , 57 , 97 ].…”

The Role of Flavonoids in Invasion Strategy of Solidago canadensis L.

“…Two provisions are the most discussed. One of those is based on the high allelopathic potency of plants [ 8 , 17 , 18 ]. The chemical composition of S. canadensis , in particular the compounds with allelopathic activity, is well studied [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”