Autoallelopathic potential of aqueous extracts from Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) and giant goldenrod (S. gigantea Aiton)

Dorota Gala-Czekaj,Jan Bocianowski,Michał Dziurka,Agnieszka Synowiec

doi:10.1007/s11738-021-03330-1

Abstract

Production of allelopathic substances is a factor determining the ecological success of invasive plants—Canadian goldenrod (S. canadensis L.) and giant goldenrod (S. gigantea Aiton). This research aimed at evaluating the autoallelopathic effect of aqueous extracts (AEs) prepared from various parts of Canadian goldenrod and giant goldenrod against vegetative growth, and biomass accumulation of both goldenrods. In the stage of 5–6 leaves, goldenrod plants, were foliar sprayed with AEs, at concentrations of 5 or 10%. The biochemical properties of AEs, i.e., total phenolic content, total antioxidant potential and selected plant hormones, were examined. Two and ten days after spraying (DAS), damages to aboveground parts of goldenrods (necrosis and wilting) were visually assessed. The fresh mass of above- and belowground parts of goldenrods were measured 21 DAS. AEs from various parts of Canadian goldenrod or giant goldenrod displayed autoallelopathic properties of inhibitory nature. The phytotoxic potential of AEs varied depending on their source. Canadian goldenrod was more susceptible to the AEs, manifested by more significant damages to aboveground parts and a greater decrease in above- and belowground biomass. The most effective against growth and development of Canadian goldenrod and giant goldenrod were AEs from rhizomes, which caused a reduction of fresh biomass of goldenrods up to 42%, compared to water-treated control.

Highlights

Canadian goldenrod (S. canadensis L.) and giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea Aiton) are native to North America
A significantly higher total phenolic content (TPC) was recorded in aqueous extracts (AEs) from S. canadensis in the vegetative phase at a concentration of 10% (1.187 mg mL−1), in comparison to the other AEs from this species
In S. canadensis, the highest content of phenolics and antioxidants is observed in the AEs from vegetative parts of plants

Summary

Introduction

Canadian goldenrod (S. canadensis L.) and giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea Aiton) are native to North America They widely spread in many regions of Europe, Asia, and Australia, where they are considered as invasive plants In a dense stand of goldenrods, a phenomenon of autoallelopathy (autotoxicity) may occur, which indicates a negative or positive interaction of plants of the same species on each other (Thiébaut et al 2019). It has important ecological implications, minimizing intraspecific competition, extending seed dispersal and regulating plant population over time and space (Singh et al 1999; Liu et al 2008). Autotoxicity has been identified in many field crops (Yu et al 2000; Ben-Hammouda et al 2002; Chon and Kim 2002; Wu et al 2007) and weeds (Sołtys et al 2010)

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