Potential allelopathic effect of Pinus halepensis in the secondary succession: an experimental approach |
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Authors: | Catherine Fernandez Benjamin Lelong Bruno Vila Jean-Philippe Mévy Christine Robles Stéphane Greff Sylvie Dupouyet Anne Bousquet-Mélou |
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Institution: | 1. Institut Méditerranéen d’Ecologie et Paléoécologie (IMEP) - UMR CNRS 6116, LBEM, Université de Provence, Centre de St. Jér?me, Case 421, 13397, Marseille, Cedex 20, France
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Abstract: | Summary. Recent economic and social changes in north Mediterranean regions have led to an important rural depopulation. Consequently,
meadows developed on abandoned agricultural lands (characterized by high species richness) undergo reforestation. These former
fields are mainly colonized by Pinus halepensis Miller, which is known to synthetize a wide range of secondary metabolites, among these, some could influence plant succession
through allelopathy. The allelopathic potential of P. halepensis, was tested against two target species (Lactuca sativa L. and Linum strictum L.) with aqueous extracts obtained from different organs (root and needle) taking into account the individual age (±10, ±30
and > 60 years old). Root and needle extracts affected differently germination and growth of the two target species, the responses
varying with concentration of extracts, age and organs tested. The strongest inhibitory effect was observed on the germination
and growth of L. strictum, exposed to needle extracts of young P. halepensis (±10 years old), and root extracts of older P. halepensis (> 30 years old). These extracts contained several phenolic acids (e.g. 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and p-coumaric acid), which are known as allelochemicals and their concentrations vary with age and
organ tested. Hence, P. halepensis could influence secondary succession through the release of potential allelochemicals in the environment by leaf leachates
or root exudates. |
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Keywords: | Allelopathy phenolic compounds land abandonment plant succession ecosystem functioning Mediterranean ecosystem |
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