Allelopathy is very a useful strategy for plants. It is very important in agricultural society to eliminate weeds, pests, and insects. Plants use allelopathy to assure them a spot in nature. I am trying to see which one of these plants inhibits the germination of radish seeds the most. Putnam (1984) reported that eucalyptus species released volatile compounds such as benzoic, cinnamic and phenolic acids, which inhibit growth of crops and weeds growing near it. Eucalyptus is a widely well-known allelopathic plant. I believe that Eucalyptus will allow the least amount of germination of radish seeds between Eucalyptus, Lemon, and a control.
Allelopathy Lab
Read Lab 8 in the Lab Manual
This lab will require some setting up using household materials. You can be creative by using substitute materials if you don't have the exact list of materials handy.
Please photograph your results and use that as part of your report.
The seeds to use can be radish seeds or mung bean seeds, both of which germinate rapidly. Mung bean seeds can often be found in health food stores for they are grown by many to uses as "bean sprouts" in salads. Other seeds can be used but may take longer or rot.
YOU ONLY NEED TO TEST ONE ALLELOPATHIC PLANT OF YOUR CHOICE. It can differ from those listed in the lab manual, since there are many more possibilities. You may test more and obtain extra credit.
YOU will need 5 containers--one for a control and four for the variables in mass, as described