Autoinhibition of germination and seedling establishment by leachate of Calluna vulgaris leaves and litter

Bonanomi, G. and Legg, C. and Mazzoleni, S. (2005) Autoinhibition of germination and seedling establishment by leachate of Calluna vulgaris leaves and litter. Community Ecology, 6 (2). pp. 203-208. ISSN 1585-8553

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Abstract

Allelopathic effects of Calluna vulgaris have been extensively studied, but little attention has been given to the dynamics of phytotoxicity during the decomposition of its litter. Strong evidence from vegetation dynamics and management strategies indicate that Calluna litter inhibits its own seed regeneration. This work investigates the hypotheses that Calluna tissues are autotoxic and that decomposition processes moderate this effect. Water extracts of fresh Calluna shoots, litter and surface soil from a burned stand were used in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions to test for phytotoxicity in Lepidium sativum and Calluna vulgaris seeds and seedlings. Phytotoxicity varied for undecomposed Calluna materials with the following rank: shoots ?? litter ? burned soil. Moreover, phytotoxicity on Lepidium and Calluna of all tested materials sharply decreased during aerobic decomposition, but it remained high in anaerobic conditions. This paper confirms that Calluna shoots and litter are autotoxic, and demonstrates clear patterns related to decomposition processes. The potential consequences for vegetation dynamics are discussed.

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