Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Allelopathic interference of invasive Acacia dealbata Link on the physiological parameters of native understory species

  • Published:
Plant Ecology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The tree Acacia dealbata Link is an Australian woody legume that has become a serious environmental problem in Northwest Spain, where its expansion is assumed to reduce populations of native species and threaten local plant biodiversity. In order to investigate the potential involvement of allelopathic mechanisms in this process, net photosynthetic and respiration rates of four test native understory species (Hedera hibernica (G. Kirchn.) Bean, Dicranum sp., Dactylis glomerata L. and Leucobryum sp.) were evaluated using a Clark-type electrode in the presence of canopy leachate collected under A. dealbata stands at four times of the year for 2 years and macerate from their apical branches at the same sites and times. The first two test species were present both inside and outside of A. dealbata stands, while the last two were only located outside the stands. We found that there were significant differences in respiration and net photosynthetic rates between the control and A. dealbata extracts in all test species. The respiration rate was increased by both canopy leachate and macerate extracts on certain collection dates, but net photosynthetic rate was stimulated by macerate and inhibited by canopy leachate on other dates. The main phenological stages of A. dealbata in which respiration and net photosynthetic rates were more affected were blossoming, inflorescence formation and in periods after severe drought, in this decreasing order. Our results also showed that Dicranum sp., Leucobryum sp. and D. glomerata were more affected by aqueous extracts than other species during a 2-year period. We suggest that the observed inhibitory or stimulatory effects on the physiological parameters studied could have an adverse effect on the understory species, and that allelopathic interference seems to participate in this process.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abrahim D, Francischini AC, Pergo EM, Kelmer-Bracht AM, Ishii-Iwamoto EL (2003) Effects of α-pinene on the mitochondrial respiration of maize seedlings. Plant Physiol Biochem 41:985–991. doi:10.1016/j.plaphy.2003.07.003

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Abrol IP, Yadav JSP, Massoud FI (1988) Salt-affected soils and their management. FAO Soils Bulletin No. 39. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome

  • Bais HP, Vepachedu R, Gilroy S, Callaway RM, Vivanco JM (2003) Allelopathy and exotic plant invasion: from molecules and genes to species interactions. Science 301:1377–1380. doi:10.1126/science.1083245

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Callaway RM, Aschehoug ET (2000) Invasive plants versus their new and old neighbors: a mechanism for exotic invasion. Science 290:521–523. doi:10.1126/science.290.5491.521

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Callaway RM, Ridenour WM, Laboski T, Weir T, Vivanco JM (2005) Natural selection for resistance to the allelopathic effects of invasive plants. J Ecol 93:576–583. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2745.2005.00994.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carballeira A, Reigosa MJ (1999) Effects of natural leachates of Acacia dealbata link in Galicia (NW Spain). Bot Bull Acad Sin 40:87–92

    Google Scholar 

  • Casal JF, Reigosa MJ, Carballeira A (1985) Potentiel allelopathique de Acacia dealbata Link. Rev Ecol Biol Sol 22:1–12

    Google Scholar 

  • Chou C-H, Fu C-Y, Li S-Y, Wang Y-F (1998) Allelopathic potential of Acacia confusa and related species in Taiwan. J Chem Ecol 24:2131–2150. doi:10.1023/A:1020745928453

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chou SC, Huang CH, Hsu TW, Wu CC, Chou CH (2010) Allelopathic potential of Rhododendron formosanum Hemsl in Taiwan. Allelopath J 25:73–91

    Google Scholar 

  • Diéguez-Rojo E, González L (2003) Effects of allelochemical 2-benzoxazolinone on growth, pigment content and cell appearance of Tetraselmis suecica (Kylin) Butch. Thalassas 19:13–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Einhelling FA (2004) Mode of allelochemical action of phenolic compounds. In: Macías FA, Galindo JCG, Molinillo JMG, Cutler HG (eds) Allelopathy chemistry and mode of action of allelochemicals. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton, FL, pp 217–238

    Google Scholar 

  • Ens EJ, Bremner JB, French K, Korth J (2009a) Identification of volatile compounds released by roots of an invasive plant, bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera spp. rotundata), and their inhibition of native seedling growth. Biol Invasions 11:275–287. doi:10.1007/s10530-008-9232-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ens EJ, French K, Bremner JB (2009b) Evidence for allelopathy as a mechanism of community composition change by an invasive exotic shrub, Chrysanthemoides monilifera spp. rotundata. Plant Soil 316:125–137. doi:10.1007/s11104-008-9765-3

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ens EJ, French K, Bremner JB, Korth J (2010) Novel technique shows different hydrophobic chemical signatures of exotic and indigenous plant soils with similar effects of extracts on indigenous species seedling growth. Plant Soil 326:403–414. doi:10.1007/s11104-009-0021-2

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fernandez C, Lelong B, Vila B, Mévy JP, Robles C, Greff S, Dupouyet S, Bousquet-Mélou A (2006) Potential allelopathic effect of Pinus halapensis in the secondary succession: an experimental approach. Chemoecology 16:97–105. doi:10.1007/s00049-006-0334-z

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Flexas J, Galmes J, Ribas-Carbo M, Medrano H (2005) The effects of water stress on plant respiration. In: Lambers H, Ribas-Carbó M (eds) Plant respiration. Springer, The Netherlands, pp 85–94

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • González L (2004) Relaciones alelopáticas. In: Reigosa MJ, Pedrol N, Sanchez A (eds) La ecofisiología vegetal una ciencia de síntesis. Thomson, Madrid, pp 527–576

    Google Scholar 

  • González L, Souto XC, Reigosa MJ (1995) Allelopathic effects of Acacia melanoxylon R.Br. phyllodes during their decomposition. For Ecol Manag 77:53–63. doi: 10.1016/0378-1127(95)03581-T

  • Guar JP, Singh AK (1990) Growth, photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation of Anabaena doliolum exposed to Assam crude extract. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 44:494–500. doi:10.1007/BF01701235

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Han C-M, Pan K-W, Wu N, Wang J-C, Li W (2008) Allelopathic effect of ginger on seed germination and seedling growth of soybean and chive. Sci Hortic 116:330–336. doi:10.1016/j.scienta.2008.01.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ishii-Iwamoto EL, Abrahim D, Sert MA, Bonato CM, Kelmer-Bracht AM, Bracht A (2006) Mitochondria as a site of allelochemical action. In: Reigosa MJ, Pedrol N, González L (eds) Allelopathy: a physiological process with ecological implications. Springer, The Netherlands, pp 267–284

    Google Scholar 

  • Kato-Noguchi H (2003) Allelopathic potential of Pueraria thunbergiana. Biol Plant 47:471–473. doi:10.1023/B:BIOP.0000023899.52362.f3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keane RM, Crawley MJ (2002) Exotic plant invasions and the enemy release hypothesis. Trends Ecol Evol 17:164–170. doi:10.1016/S0169-5347(02)02499-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lorenzo P (2010) Invasion of Acacia dealbata Link: new perspectives on allelopathic process. PhD dissertation, University of Vigo, Vigo

  • Lorenzo P, Pazos-Malvido E, González L, Reigosa MJ (2008) Allelopathic interference of invasive Acacia dealbata: physiological effects. Allelopath J 22:452–462

    Google Scholar 

  • Lorenzo P, González L, Reigosa MJ (2010) The genus Acacia as invader: the characteristic case of Acacia dealbata Link in Europe. Ann For Sci 67:101. doi:10.1051/forest/2009082

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martínez-Otero A, González L (2005) Oxygen electrode for seedling metabolism measurements in allelopathy. Allelopath J 16:95–104

    Google Scholar 

  • Mersie M, Singh M (1987) Allelopathic effect of parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) extract and residue on some agronomic crops and weeds. J Chem Ecol 13:1739–1747. doi:10.1007/BF00980214

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pedrol N, González L, Reigosa MJ (2006) Allelopathy and abiotic stress. In: Reigosa MJ, Pedrol N, González L (eds) Allelopathy: a physiological process with ecological implications. Springer, The Netherlands, pp 171–209

    Google Scholar 

  • Rafiqul Hoque ATM, Ahmed R, Uddin MB, Hossain MK (2003) Allelopathic effect of different concentration of water extracts of Acacia auriculiformis leaf on some initial growth parameters of five common agricultural crops. Pak J Agron 2:92–100

    Google Scholar 

  • Reigosa MJ (1987) Estudio del potencial alelopático de Acacia dealbata Link. PhD dissertation, University of Santiago, Santiago de Compostela

  • Reigosa MJ, González L (2006) Forest ecosystem and allelopathy. In: Reigosa MJ, Pedrol N, González L (eds) Allelopathy: a physiological process with ecological implications. Springer, The Netherlands, pp 451–463

    Google Scholar 

  • Reigosa MJ, Casal JF, Carballeira A (1984) Efectos alelopáticos de Acacia dealbata Link durante su floración. Stud Oecologia V:135–150

    Google Scholar 

  • Reigosa MJ, Souto XC, González L (1999) Effect of phenolic compounds on the germination of six weeds species. Plant Growth Regul 28:83–88. doi:10.1023/A:1006269716762

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reigosa MJ, Pedrol N, Sánchez-Moreiras AM, González L (2002) Stress and allelopathy. In: Reigosa MJ, Pedrol N (eds) Allelopathy: from molecules to ecosystems. Science Publishers Inc, Playmouth, pp 231–256

    Google Scholar 

  • Rice EL (1984) Allelopathy. Academic Press, Orlando

    Google Scholar 

  • Rose SL, Perry DA, Pilz D, Schoeneberger MM (1983) Allelopathic effects of litter on the growth and colonization of mycorrhizal fungi. J Chem Ecol 9:1153–1162. doi:10.1007/BF00982218

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Seigler DS (2003) Phytochemistry of Acacia—sensu lato. Biochem Syst Ecol 31:845–873. doi:10.1016/S0305-1978(03)00082-6

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sinkkonen A (2006) Ecological relationships and allelopathy. In: Reigosa MJ, Pedrol N, González L (eds) Allelopathy: a physiological process with ecological implications. Springer, The Netherlands, pp 373–393

    Google Scholar 

  • Sodaeizadeh H, Rafieiolhossaini M, Havlík J, Van Damme P (2009) Allelopathic activity of different plant parts of Peganum harmala L. and identification of their growth inhibitors substances. Plant Growth Regul 59:227–236. doi:10.1007/s10725-009-9408-6

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sokal RR, Rohlf FJ (1995) Biometry. The principles and practice of statistics in biological research. Freeman, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Thelen GC, Vivanco JM, Newingham B, Good W, Bais HP, Landres P, Caesar A, Callaway RM (2005) Insect herbivory stimulates allelopathic exudation by an invasive plant and the suppression of natives. Ecol Lett 8:209–217. doi:10.1111/j.1461-0248.2004.00713.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang W, Gorsuch JW, Hughes JS (1997) Plants for environmental studies. CRC Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Weir TL, Park S-W, Vivanco JM (2004) Biochemical and physiological mechanisms mediated by allelochemicals. Current Opin Plant Biol 7:472–479. doi:10.1016/j.pbi.2004.05.007

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • MeteoGalicia. Consellería de Medio Ambiente, Territorio e Infraestruturas. Xunta de Galicia. http://www.meteogalicia.es

  • Zhou YH, Yu JQ (2006) Allelochemicals and photosynthesis. In: Reigosa MJ, Pedrol N, González L (eds) Allelopathy: a physiological process with ecological implications. Springer, The Netherlands, pp 127–139

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We are especially grateful for the contribution of the three anonymous reviewers who, with their comments, have enriched and improved the original manuscript. We would like to thank the Xunta de Galicia for funding the project “Estudio del componente alelopático en la capacidad invasiva de la mimosa (Acacia dealbata Link) en el bosque y las plantaciones forestales gallegas” PGIDIT05RAG31001PR and the project “Estudio da capacidade invasora de Acacia dealbata: mecanismos de control integrados e sustentabilidade” 08MDS033310PR. We would also like to thank the Consellería de Innovación e Industria and Universidade de Vigo for the PhD grant of Paula Lorenzo and the collaboration grant of Ana Palomera-Pérez.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Universidade de Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain

    Paula Lorenzo, Ana Palomera-Pérez, Manuel J. Reigosa & Luís González

Authors
  1. Paula Lorenzo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ana Palomera-Pérez
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Manuel J. Reigosa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Luís González
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Luís González.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lorenzo, P., Palomera-Pérez, A., Reigosa, M.J. et al. Allelopathic interference of invasive Acacia dealbata Link on the physiological parameters of native understory species. Plant Ecol 212, 403–412 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11258-010-9831-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11258-010-9831-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation