ALLELOPATHIC EFFECTS OF THE CHILEAN MATORRAL SHRUB FLOURENSIA-THURIFERA
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Date
1987
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Abstract
This paper reports 4 types of evidence of the allelopathic effect of the drought-deciduous shrub Flourensia thurifera (Compositae) on forbs and shrubs. Field evidences include: (1) observed differences in grass abundances at neighboring sites with and without (removed) F. thurifera; (2) measured grass abundances at various distances and directions from isolated F. thurifera shrubs; and (3) the results of experiments in which F. thurifera was cut and the ensuing increment in the relative grass densities monitored. Laboratory evidences pertain to relative germination rates of rye and shrub seeds when irrigated with water in which shrub leaves had been soaked. All four evidences point in the same direction, namely, that F. thurifera produces water-soluble chemical substances capable of inhibiting the germination of other plant species. In addition, the paper supports previous results regarding the lack of demonstrable allelopathic effects in some evergreen species of shrubs. Finally, the ecological significance of these results is discussed.