Allelopathic Effect of S. Macrophylla on the Growth of V. Radiata Seedlings
Allelopathic effect of S. macrophylla on the growth of V. radiata seedlings
Thea Philea I. Mostralesa, Greeny Joy A. Perucho, Rhoshela Vi C. Rendon, John Gregor A. Rono, Emmerson P. Rullog, Riffcord R-Denz M. Tabula
Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City
(a Thea Philea I. Mostrales, e-mail: theaphilea.mostrales@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Swietenia macrophylla, or commonly known as the mahogany tree in the Philippines, is an introduced species of the family Meliaceae that is commonly used for lumber and reforestation projects. However, based on studies, it is shown that the mahogany tree has inhibitory effects that affect adjacent growing plants. This is made possible chemically and is referred to generally as allelopathy. This study aimed to determine is S. macrophylla had any adverse effects to the growth of plants in close proximity to it. The researchers selected three mahogany trees and planted six plots of differeing distances with each plot containing ten monggo seedlings. The results obtained indicate that there is no significant difference between the growth of monggo seedlings growing near the mahogany tree to that of monggo seedling growing near the control tree based on the analysis done on the seedlings’ height, weight and survival rate. Results also indicate that distance of the seedlings from the S. macrophylla has no effect on the intensity of inhibition of the growth of the V. radiata. The results obtained can be attributed to factors that include the texture of soil, fine-textures soil having been proven to have a greater retention capacity of allelochemicals than coarse-textures soils. Also, allelopathic interactions include both promontory and inhibitory activities of phenolic allelochemicals and thus using seed germination as a bioassay parameter may be of little value.
KEY WORDS: Swietenia macrophylla, allelopathy, growth of monggo seedlings, inhibitory effect of mahogany, introduced species
Thea Philea I. Mostralesa, Greeny Joy A. Perucho, Rhoshela Vi C. Rendon, John Gregor A. Rono, Emmerson P. Rullog, Riffcord R-Denz M. Tabula
Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City
(a Thea Philea I. Mostrales, e-mail: theaphilea.mostrales@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Swietenia macrophylla, or commonly known as the mahogany tree in the Philippines, is an introduced species of the family Meliaceae that is commonly used for lumber and reforestation projects. However, based on studies, it is shown that the mahogany tree has inhibitory effects that affect adjacent growing plants. This is made possible chemically and is referred to generally as allelopathy. This study aimed to determine is S. macrophylla had any adverse effects to the growth of plants in close proximity to it. The researchers selected three mahogany trees and planted six plots of differeing distances with each plot containing ten monggo seedlings. The results obtained indicate that there is no significant difference between the growth of monggo seedlings growing near the mahogany tree to that of monggo seedling growing near the control tree based on the analysis done on the seedlings’ height, weight and survival rate. Results also indicate that distance of the seedlings from the S. macrophylla has no effect on the intensity of inhibition of the growth of the V. radiata. The results obtained can be attributed to factors that include the texture of soil, fine-textures soil having been proven to have a greater retention capacity of allelochemicals than coarse-textures soils. Also, allelopathic interactions include both promontory and inhibitory activities of phenolic allelochemicals and thus using seed germination as a bioassay parameter may be of little value.
KEY WORDS: Swietenia macrophylla, allelopathy, growth of monggo seedlings, inhibitory effect of mahogany, introduced species
References: Waller, G. R., “Allelochemicals: Role in Agriculture and Forestry”, American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C. 1987 TABLES