Nitrogen Deposition Influences the Allelopathic Effect of an Invasive Plant on the Reproduction of a Native Plant: Solidago canadensis versus Pterocypsela laciniata

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aims to gain insights into the allelopathic effects (by using leaf extracts) of the notorious invasive Solidago canadensis L. on seed germination of the associated Pterocypsela laciniata (Houtt.) C. Shih under different nitrogen (N) forms added: inorganic (NO3--N and NH4+-N), organic (urea-N), and mixed N (a mixture of the three N forms at 1:1:1 ratio). Among the two used concentrations of S. canadensis leaf extracts the higher exhibited inhibitory allelopathic effects on seedling height and biomass, germination potential, germination index, and vigor index of P. laciniata. N demonstrated positive effects on seed germination of P. laciniata. The effects of mixed and organic N on the seedling biomass of P. laciniata were more pronounced than those of inorganic N and control treatment. The vigor index of P. laciniata under mixed N was significantly higher than those under single N form and control treatment. Thus, organic and mixed N showed higher ecological effects on seed germination o...