[Allelopathic potential of Phyllostachys edulis on two dominant tree species of evergreen broad-leaved forest in its...

In order to explore the influence of Phyllostachys edulis invasion on the surrounding forest environment,the effects of aqueous extracts from P. edulis on two dominant species (Castanopsis sclerophylla and Cyclobalanopsis glaunca)in southern China were assessed by germination bioassays. The results showed that seed germination effects depended on the concentration of aqueous extracts and the extract sources. The highest extract concentration showed significant inhibitory effects on seed germination percentage, which was 82. 3% -102. 2% of control for C. sclerophylla and 80% -90. 9% of control for C. glauca, while in the treatment with lowest extract concentration the values were 101.7% - 107.6% of control for C. sclerophylla and 94.9% - 109. 1% of control for C. glauca, respectively. The extracts had inhibitory effects on the germination speed of both species (P < 0.05) , except that no effects on C. sclerophylla were observed in the low concentration treatment. Extracts at the highest concentration reduced the root activity of C. sclerophylla by 41. 1% -62. 4% (P <0.05). There were obvious different effects among the treatments with different extract sources. Seed germination percentage was the lowest in root extract treatments. There was no obvious difference for shoot height of C. sclerophylla in different treatments(P >0.05) , while there was significant difference for C. glauca, its shoot height was higher in the leaf, root, and litter extracts treatments than in the soil extracts treatments. P. edulis possesses allelopathic potential that could possibly facilitate its invasion and monoculture formation, and does harm to the surrounding forest environment.