An investigation of the allelopathic potential of Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum [L.] Roxb.)

Date
2006
Authors
Johnson, Amy L.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract

Invasive species can cause significant changes to their introduced environments. A set of experiments was conducted to determine whether Sapium sebiferum exhibits allelopathic effects on neighboring plants in its introduced range. Bioassays were performed on Sapium, Liquidambar styraciflua, Schizachyrium scoparium, Andropogon ischaemum, and Lolium perenne seeds using extracts from Sapium, Acer saccharinum, Platanus occidentalis and Liquidambar leaves. Germination and early growth comparisons were made using: (1) solutions treated with activated carbon to remove allelochemicals or left untreated, (2) solutions in a dilution series, and (3) solution mixtures prepared from rinsed leaves or soaked leaves using activated carbon to negate potential allelopathic effects of all but one leaf species in each mixture. In almost every analysis there were few significant predictors. The effects of Sapium extracts on germination or growth never differed from those of the three native tree species' extracts. Allelopathy does not appear to contribute to Sapium's invasive success.

Description
Advisor
Siemann, Evan
Degree
Master of Arts
Type
Thesis
Keywords
Ecology
Citation

Johnson, Amy L.. "An investigation of the allelopathic potential of Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum [L.] Roxb.)." (2006) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. https://hdl.handle.net/1911/17886.

Has part(s)
Forms part of
Published Version
Rights
Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.
Link to license
Citable link to this page