Potential allelopathic influence of certain pasture weeds

Laboratory and growth chamber research was conducted to determine the potential allelopathy of tissue harvested from certain weeds commonly found in pastures. Results of bioassays indicated that the weeds dogfennel and mayweed chamomile are potentially allelopathic to alfalfa and Italian ryegrass seedlings. Leaf-tissue extracts from the two weed species reduced seedling growth more than stem and root extracts. In most experiments alfalfa seedlings were influenced more than Italian ryegrass seedlings and seedling growth was influenced more than seed germination. Leaf tissue from the weed species mixed into potting soil at a concentration as low as 0.25% (w/w) significantly reduced alfalfa and Italian ryegrass plant development and foliage production. Extract and tissue concentration used in this research were estimated to be similar to concentrations expected to occur within the pasture ecosystem and below concentrations that would result in hypertonicity in the bioassays.