Allelopathic Effects of Goldenrod Species on Turnover in Successional Communities

Abstract

ABSTRACT.-While goldenrod species are often found to be allelopathic in laboratory settings, its importance in controlling plant community dynamics has been much more difficult to assess. We designed a study to determine whether allelopathy is related to the success of goldenrods in abandoned agricultural land. To accomplish this, we conducted laboratory bioassays for six co-occurring goldenrod species and compared these results to the cover and impacts of these species in the field. We determined the germination responses of two target species to a gradient of leaf extract concentrations to assess the allelopathic potential of these goldenrods. We also used long-term successional data to determine the influence of each goldenrod species on community turnover. Germination percentages in the lab were reduced by leaf extracts for most goldenrod species and varied dramatically among species. In the field, influences of goldenrods on their associated communities were weak and opposite expected allelopathic effects, as the number of associated species generally increased with goldenrod cover. The relative strength of allelopathy among goldenrods was not related to the abundance achieved during succession. In this system, we documented the potential for goldenrods to exhibit allelopathic interactions in a controlled situation. However, these effects were not strong enough to alter community structure and turnover.

Relative allelopathic potential of invasive plant species in a young disturbed woodland1

“…However, the range of allelopathic potential for the invasive species tested here is similar to that documented for some native species from the same site. For example, native goldenrod (Solidago) species are often linked with allelopathy (Abhilasha et al 2008, Pisula andMeiners 2010). Using the same method as this study, three out of six goldenrod species had beta values that were within the range found in this survey of non-natives (Pisula and Meiners 2010).…”

“…For example, native goldenrod (Solidago) species are often linked with allelopathy (Abhilasha et al 2008, Pisula andMeiners 2010). Using the same method as this study, three out of six goldenrod species had beta values that were within the range found in this survey of non-natives (Pisula and Meiners 2010). The remaining goldenrod species were more toxic than any of the invasive species tested (b values ranging from 20.59 to 20.74, Pisula and Meiners 2010).…”

“…Extracts were made from 12.5 g of dried leaf tissue in 500 ml of deionized water (Butcko and Jensen 2002). This ratio of biomass to water generates plant extracts that affect germination of target species and allows for differentiation among allelopathic species (Butcko andJensen 2002, Pisula andMeiners 2010). Leaves were not ground as doing so results in the release of enzymes, salts, amino acids, and other compounds that may not be released under natural circumstances (Chou andMuller 1972, Inderjit andDakshini 1995).…”

“…We used radish (Raphanus sativus L. 'Early Scarlet Globe'; Bay Farm Services, Inc., Bay City, MI) as the target species in all trials. We used this species to indicate allelopathic potential because it germinates quickly, is commonly used in allelopathic studies, is sensitive to allelopathic inhibition, and detects differences among species' extracts (Butcko andJensen 2002, Pisula andMeiners 2010).…”

Invasive alien plants affect grassland ant communities, colony size and foraging behaviour

“…The negative effect of goldenrods on the number of species may be both direct and indirect. Goldenrods out-compete native plants and change the habitat structure, soil properties and microclimatic characteristics (VoserHuber 1992;Weber 2001;de Groot et al 2007;Pisula and Meiners 2010). Interestingly, the most abundant species in the grasslands with goldenrods were M. scabrinodis, M. rubra and Lasius niger.…”