Allelochemicals In Soil Research Articles

Migration and Transformation of Taxane Allelochemicals in Soil.

The migration and transformation of allelochemicals are important topics in the exploration of allelopathy. Current research on the migration of allelochemicals mostly uses soil column and thin layer methods and verifies it by sowing plant seeds. However, traditional methods inevitably ignore the flux caused by the movement of allelochemicals carried by water. In fact, the flux determines the amount of allelochemicals that directly affect plants. In this work, a method of microdialysis combined with a soil column and UPLC-MS/MS to detect the flux of allelochemicals was developed for the first time and successfully applied to the detection of five taxane allelochemicals in soil. Meanwhile, by adding taxane allelochemicals to the soil and detecting their transformation products using UPLC-MS/MS, the half-life of taxane in the soil was determined, and the transformation pathway of taxane allelochemicals in the soil was further speculated.

Effect of Aged Cherry Orchard Soil on the Potted Seedling Growth of Malus hupehensis (Pamp.) Rehd

Due to the aging of trees, aged apple and cherry orchards need to be rebuilt urgently. However, due to the limitation of land resources, it is inevitable to rebuild the apple orchard by taking the aged cherry orchard as a replacement, which will lead to replant disease and seriously affect the sustainable development of the horticulture industry. This study investigated the effect of aged cherry orchard soil on the growth of M. hupehensis seedlings grown in pots, and it was further verified that allelochemicals in soil were one of the reasons for this effect. Three treatments were implemented: aged apple orchard soil (ppl), aged cherry orchard soil (pyl), and aged cherry orchard soil after fumigation with methyl bromide (pyz). Compared with pyz, pyl treatment significantly decreased the biomass, root growth, and antioxidant enzyme activity of M. hupehensis seedlings, and increased the content of MDA. Compared with ppl, pyl contains a smaller number of fungi and bacteria, but the abundance of the four disease-causing Fusarium remained high. In addition, the levels of allelochemicals found in the soil of aged cherry orchards can inhibit the normal growth and development of M. hupehensis seedlings. Amygdalin most strongly inhibited these seedlings. In summary, directly planting M. hupehensis seedlings in the soil of the aged cherry orchards still inhibits their normal growth and development, although the seedlings grow better than in aged apple orchard soil. Therefore, it is not feasible to directly plant M. hupehensis seedlings in the soil of aged cherry orchards, and measures should be taken to eliminate allelochemicals such as amygdalin and harmful microorganisms.

Application of UPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS targeted metabolomics in screening of allelochemicals and model plants of ginseng

Continuous cropping of ginseng leads to serious declines in yield and quality because of self-toxicity of allelochemicals and other factors in soil. However, because of the long growth cycle and low survival rate of ginseng, rapid screening of autotoxic activity is difficult. Therefore, it is important to analyze the allelochemicals and identify a model plant with autotoxic responses similar to those of ginseng. In this study, UPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS targeted metabolomics and verification of autotoxic activity were used to analyze a problem soil from continuously cropped ginseng. Allelochemical markers were screened by OPLS-DA. Seeds and seedlings of maize, Chinese cabbage, cucumber, green beans, wheat, sunflower, and oats were selected to identify potential model plants. Model plants with autotoxic responses similar to those of ginseng were evaluated by comparing morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics. The n-butanol extract of the continuously cropped problem soil had the most significant autotoxic activity. Twenty-three ginsenosides and the contributions to autotoxic effects were screened and evaluated. Of potential model plants, seeds and seedlings of cucumber showed similar growth inhibition to that of ginseng under the action of allelochemicals. Thus, metabolomics can be used to screen allelochemicals in soil and predict the autotoxic effects, and the cucumber plant model can be used to rapidly screen allelopathic activity of ginseng. The study will provide reference for methodology in allelopathy research on ginseng.

Alleviating soil degradation caused by green bean continuous cropping: application of combined amendments

Context Management practices of conventional cropping that includes intense monoculture has led to soil health problems, such as deterioration of soil fertility and soil microbial diversity, leading to the proliferation of soil-borne diseases. Soil amendments using organic materials, calcium and disinfecting agents may be important management tools to promote healthier soils. Aims To determine the effects of combined soil improving amendments to mitigate problems associated with continuous cropping of green bean. Methods Soil samples were collected from the modified areas (SF) of combined application of organic amendments (biofertiliser, humic acid material), calcium amendments (lime, calcium magnesium compound fertiliser) and disinfection materials (carbendazim) and unmodified areas (CK) to compare the effects of chemical characteristics, allelochemicals and microbial community in soil under different soil modifications. Key results Results showed that combined modification could significantly increase soil pH, organic matter (SOM), available nutrients (N, P, and K), and decrease the contents of phenolic acids allelochemicals in soil. However, l-epicatechin increased. The combined modification could increase the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Actinobacteria, Nocardioides and Streptomyces, and decrease the relative abundance of microorganisms such as Betaproteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Deltaproteobacteria that can cause soil-borne diseases. Conclusions Biological mechanism mapping showed that the application of combined amendments could effectively alleviate soil fertility problems associated with long-term cultivation of green bean. Implications The combined application of organic amendments, calcium amendments and disinfection materials can modify soil to promote the healthier agricultural soils in long-term vegetable growing areas.

Optimized HPLC extraction method of quercetin and berberine based on response surface analysis.

In order to establish a method for simultaneous determination and extraction of quercetin and berberine in soil, HPLC-PDA multi-wavelength method was used to detect the content of berberine and quercetin in soil solution. The detection wavelength was 210 nm and 347 nm. The column temperature was 30 °C, the mobile phase A was acetonitrile, the mobile phase B was 0.1% phosphoric acid aqueous solution, and the flow rate was 1.0 mL min-1. Under the condition of isocratic elution, quercetin and berberine were completely separated within 20 min. The detection limit concentration of quercetin was 0.078 mg L-1, and the detection limit of berberine was 0.019 mg L-1. Both of them reached the trace level, and the recovery rate was between 97.2% and 107.4%. The response surface method was used to optimize the ultrasonic extraction method. The three main factors of extraction concentration, extraction temperature and solid-liquid ratio were optimized to obtain the highest extraction efficiency. The optimum extraction efficiency was as follows: 1 g soil sample was extracted with 80% ethanol aqueous solution, ultrasonic time was 10 min, ultrasonic temperature was 44 °C, and solid-liquid ratio was 1 : 17 g mL-1. The extracted quercetin and berberine concentrations were close to the predicted values of response surface optimization. The method of extracting and determining berberine and quercetin from soil established in this experiment is simple, fast, low cost and high safety. The feedback of the results also further verifies the feasibility in practical production and application, and provides reference value for further research and analysis of different allelochemicals in soil.

Quick and In Situ Detection of Different Polar Allelochemicals in Taxus Soil by Microdialysis Combined with UPLC-MS/MS

The action of allelopathy need that allelochemicals exist in the soil and reach a certain concentration. Also, the detection of allelochemicals in the soil is one of the most important research topics in the process of exploring allelopathy. To solve the problem of the simultaneous detection of allelochemicals with low concentrations and different polarities, a novel strategy for the quick detection of the allelochemicals in Taxus soil by microdialysis combined with UPLC-MS/MS on the basis of in situ detection without destroying the original structure of soil was developed for the first time in the work. The dialysis conditions were optimized by the Box-Behnken design (BBD): 70% methanol, 3 μL/min flow rate, and 3 cm long membrane tube. A reliable UPLC-MS/MS program was systematically optimized for the simultaneous detection of nine allelochemicals with different polarities. The results proved the differences in the contents and distributions of nine allelochemicals in three different Taxus soils.

Seed fungal endophytes promote the establishment of invasive Poa annua in maritime Antarctica

ABSTRACT Background Invasive plants may displace native species. This is the case for Poa annua, the only non-native plant species successfully established in Maritime Antarctica. Nonetheless, it is uncertain which factors drive the competitive success of P. annua in the harsh environmental conditions of the region. The ability of this plant species to establish novel mutualistic interactions with resident soil fungi may be crucial for its invasiveness. Such ability may be linked to the vertical transmission of fungal endophytes via seeds. Aims We undertook a study to assess the role of seed fungal endophytes as promoters of the establishment and invasion of Poa annua in Maritime Antarctica. Methods We explored the composition and diversity of fungal communities associated with different P. annua tissues (seeds, leaves and roots) and the soil. We also measured parameters including germination rate, above-ground biomass, reproductive structures, and the survival of invasive P. annua as well as of the native Colobanthus quitensis and Deschampsia antarctica grown from seeds with and without endophytes. Furthermore, we conducted inter- and intraspecific competition experiments among native and invasive plants, where chemically mediated plant-to-plant interference (allelopathy) and plant growth rate were measured to calculate a relative competition index. Results We found that fungal endophyte taxa associated with P. annua tissues were very different from those in the soil. Fungal endophytes in P. annua differed among seed, root and shoot tissues, which suggests low transmission among different organs. The removal of endophytes from P. annua seeds was associated with reduced seed germination, plant growth and survivorship, while the competitive ability of P. annua (assessed by accumulated biomass) relative to native species, as well as levels of allelochemicals in soils, were higher in the presence of seed fungal endophytes. Conclusion Our results suggest that fungal endophytes, maternally inherited through seeds, improve host fitness and may contribute to the invasive success of P. annua in Antarctica.

Effects of soils on release and accumulation of highly active ginsenoside allelochemicals in soil

Effects of soils on release and accumulation of highly active ginsenoside allelochemicals in soil

Effects of soil moisture on Phragmites australis (Cav.) allelochemicals in soil and on growth of Phalaris arundinacea L. in Chinese Wetland

Effects of soil moisture on Phragmites australis (Cav.) allelochemicals in soil and on growth of Phalaris arundinacea L. in Chinese Wetland

Plant allelochemicals: agronomic, nutritional and ecological relevance in the soil system

Allelopathy is an ecological phenomenon consisting of both positive and negative effects between organisms determined by the release of secondary metabolites into the environment. Root exudation represents the most important pathway of releasing allelochemicals. Once released into the soil, allelochemicals interact with the organic and inorganic soil phases, as well as with soil microorganisms. The set of these interactions fix allelochemicals bioavailability and phytotoxic level. Here we critically review the interactions between plant allelochemicals and physical, chemical and biological soil characteristics by reporting the literature available and pointing out both positive and negative relationships affecting allelochemicals phytotoxicity and nutrient availability. In addition, we have reported a qualitative balance of allelochemicals in the soil. Thirdly, we reviewed the exudation process of allelochemicals and the transport mechanisms across plasma membranes. A two-way relationship exists between soil characteristics and allelochemicals. The level of phytotoxicity is not affected only by a single soil characteristic, but they are closely linked to each other and exert a multiple-effect on retention, transport and transformation processes of allelochemicals in soil. Further efforts are needed to better understand the interactions involved in soil allelopathy and to create new opportunities for a sustainable control of agroecosystems.

The accumulation of reactive oxygen species in root tips caused by autotoxic allelochemicals – A significant factor for replant problem of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels

Continuous cropping obstacles are widespread problems in agriculture but the reasons for their occurrence are generally considered complicated. Autotoxic allelopathy has been thought to be a critical factor in replant problems. To investigate the autotoxic allelochemicals of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, whose cultivation has been frequently hampered by replant failure, five compounds were isolated from the rhizosphere soil and identified as imperatorin (1), α-spinasterol (2), vanillin (3), dibutyl phthalate (4) and ferulic acid (5). Bioassays showed that compounds 1, 3 and 5 significantly inhibited the growth of A. sinensis and L. sativa seedlings. The existence of the allelochemicals in the soil environment of A. sinensis was further confirmed and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The total concentration of these allelochemicals in the rhizosphere soil reached 17.67 μg/g. Determination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the root tips of the treated seedlings indicated that the generation of ROS-induced oxidative damage could be an essential factor in the autotoxicity of the allelochemicals. These findings provide new insights for understanding the mechanism of autotoxicity and replant failure in the cultivation of A. sinensis. This could be helpful for the development of a strategy to eliminate some replant problems in agriculture.11Abbreviations: ANOVA, analysis of variance; CC, column chromatography; DCFH-DA, 2’,7’-Dicholrofluorecein diacetate; GC–MS, gas chromatography−mass spectrometry; LSD, least significant difference; PTLC, preparative thin layer chromatography; ROS, reactive oxygen species; TLC, Thin layer chromatography.

Effects of three phenolic compounds on mitochondrial function and root vigor of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seedling roots

Continuous cropping of cotton causes accumulation of allelochemicals in soil that results in substantial crop yield and quality losses. To elucidate the physiological mechanism of the effects of allelochemicals on cotton root growth, and solve the problem of continuous cropping obstacles, hydroponics experiments were carried out to study the effects of three allelochemicals (p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA), phloroglucinol, and ferulic acid) at different concentrations (0.8, 4.0, and 20.0 mmol L−1) on the production of reactive oxygen species, antioxidant enzyme activities, and mitochondrial function of cotton seedling roots. All three phenolic compounds suppressed cotton root growth, decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase) and H+-ATPase in root mitochondria, and increased generation of O2− and the content of H2O2. They also increased the degree of openness of mitochondria permeability transition pores, and decreased the membrane fluidity of mitochondria, and the ratio of cytochrome (Cyt) c/a, thus resulting in the damage of mitochondrial structure and overall function of the root system. Ferulic acid at 20.0 mmol L−1 inhibited cotton root growth more than the other treatments. Above all, all three kinds of allelochemicals inhibited antioxidant enzyme activity and mitochondrial function in cotton seedling roots, and the inhibition depended on the dose of phenolic compounds. Compared to PHBA and phloroglucinol, ferulic acid was a stronger inhibitor of cotton seedling root growth.

Vertical Leaching of Allelochemicals Affecting Their Bioactivity and the Microbial Community of Soil.

Leaching of allelochemicals in soil is one of the fundamental processes that determines allelopathic activities but is often overlooked. In the present study, the vertical leaching of seven putative allelochemicals as well as one pesticide and one herbicide was investigated using polyvinyl chloride columns combined with a bioassay approach. The results indicated that the leachability of pretilachlor and imidacloprid were the best (Lf > 0.8), followed by vanillin and coumarin (Lf > 0.6). The leachability of daidzein, menthol, and m-tyrosine were medium (0.3 < Lf < 0.6). The lowest leachability has been observed on p-coumaric and p-hydroxybenzoic acids (Lf < 0.3). The chemicals were classified into three clusters according to the phospholipid fatty acid profile (i.e., vanillin in one cluster, coumarin and menthol in the second cluster, and the rest in the third cluster). Bioactivities of the chemicals changed dramatically. Germination of lettuce seeds was suppressed by imidacloprid and pretilachlor, and the suppression was concentration-dependent. The bioactivity of most of the allelochemicals were progressively decreased with the downward movement of chemicals. The results indicated that leaching mediated the microbial communities and the interactions of chemical-microorganism and modified the bioavailability of allelochemicals in soil.

Phytotoxic effects of phenolic acids from Merostachys riedeliana, a native and overabundant Brazilian bamboo

Merostachys riedeliana Rupr. is a native and overabundant bamboo species in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Moderate to strong allelopathic activity may be one mechanism that explains this super-dominance and the changes in structure and composition of forest areas occupied by bamboo. This study evaluated the phytotoxic effect of M. riedeliana extracts and fractions and identified their putative allelochemicals. We investigated the presence of allelochemicals in soil collected from stands occupied by M. riedeliana. Furthermore, we evaluated the putative effect of tree allelochemicals, individually and combined, on germination and growth. The aqueous extract of leaves and its ethyl acetate fraction presented the highest inhibitory effects on seed germination and seedling growth. The effect of the extracts and fractions on the target species was species-specific. Neither the individual nor the combined phenolic acids significantly inhibited seed germination; however, a pronounced growth inhibition was observed in M. bimucronata seedlings treated with vanillic acid and in E. verna and M. bimucronata seedlings treated with combined phenolic acids. Isovitexin, vitexin, isoorientin, orientin, and their O-glycoside derivatives, the lactonic dimer of the p-hydroxybenzoic acid and 3,4-methylenedioxymandelic acid were identified in the aqueous extracts and ethyl acetate fraction by Liquid Chromatography-Diode Array Dectector/Electrospray Ionization/Mass Spectrometry (LC-DAD/ESI–MS/MS). The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC–MS) profile of the same extract and fraction showed the presence of benzoic, benzeneacetic, salicylic, p-hydroxybenzoic, p-hydroxyphenylacetic, vanillic, p-coumaric, protocatechuic, syringic, gallic, m-coumaric vanillylmandelic, 4-methylmandelic, 3,4-methylenedioxymandelic and trans-ferulic acids. The p-benzoic acid and the apigenin 6-C-glucoside (isovitexin) were identified in the soil extract collected from under bamboo-growing areas. Even though laboratory bioassays are not completely predictive of the allelopathic effects that occur in nature, the results of this study provide preliminary evidence of allelopathy as a possible species-specific inhibition mechanism of native species that explain the impoverishment of floristic richness and the functional groups in areas where M. riedeliana is overabundant.

Root-mediated allelopathic interference of bhringraj (Eclipta alba L.) Hassk. on peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and mung bean (Vigna radiata)

The root mediated allelopathic interference of Eclipta alba infested soil on growth, physiological parameters and antioxidant enzyme activity was conducted on Arachis hypogaea L. and vigna radiata L. It was found that rhizosphere soil significantly reduced the germination percentage, seedling growth and dry biomass depending upon the species sensitivity. The germination inhibition was correlated with membrane deterioration as proved by a strong electrolyte leakage, increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 content. The physiological parameters like chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate (Pn), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration (E) also showed significant reduction in E. alba infested soil and non-significant increase in leaf temperature (Lt) of two test species. The test seedlings have circumvented the allelochemicals stress, by both significant decrease and non-significant increase in the antioxidant activities in E. alba infested soil in contrast to control soil. Rhizosphere soil contained significantly higher amount of water-soluble phenolics as the putative allelochemicals, which were vanillic acid, benzoic acid, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid. The study concluded that rhizosphere soil exerts an allelopathic influence on peanut and mung bean by releasing water soluble phenolic acids as putative allelochemicals in soil.

Unravelling the beneficial role of microbial contributors in reducing the allelopathic effects of weeds

The field of allelopathy is one of the most fascinating but controversial processes in plant ecology that offers an exciting, interdisciplinary, complex, and challenging study. In spite of the established role of soil microbes in plant health, their role has also been consolidated in studies of allelopathy. Moreover, allelopathy can be better understood by incorporating soil microbial ecology that determines the relevance of allelopathy phenomenon. Therefore, while discussing the role of allelochemicals in plant-plant interactions, the dynamic nature of soil microbes should not be overlooked. The occurrence and toxicity of allelochemicals in soil depend on various factors, but the type of microflora in the surroundings plays a crucial role because it can interfere with its allelopathic nature. Such microbes could be of prime importance for biological control management of weeds reducing the cost and ill effects of chemical herbicides. Among microbes, our main focus is on bacteria--as they are dominant among other microbes and are being used for enhancing crop production for decades--and fungi. Hence, to refer to both bacteria and fungi, we have used the term microbes. This review discusses the beneficial role of microbes in reducing the allelopathic effects of weeds. The review is mainly focused on various functions of bacteria in (1) reducing allelopathic inhibition caused by weeds to reduce crop yield loss, (2) building inherent defense capacity in plants against allelopathic weed, and (3) deciphering beneficial rhizospheric process such as chemotaxis/biofilm, degradation of toxic allelochemicals, and induced gene expression.

Mobility and Microbial Activity of Allelochemicals in Soil

The action of allelochemicals in soil needs their presence in the vicinity of the target plants. Using a soil TLC combined with bioassay approach, the mobility of 10 typical allelochemicals was evaluated. Ferulic, p-hydroxymandelic, p-hydroxybenzoic, and vanillic acids always had the lowest mobility (Rf < 0.1), whereas phenolic aldehyde and lactone (vanillin and coumarin) showed the highest mobility (Rf > 0.5). The Rf values of daidzein, 1α-angeloyloxycarotol, DIMBOA, and m-tyrosine ranged from 0.24 to 0.32. Binary mixtures of these allelochemicals led to an increase in mobility factors for selected combinations. Phospholipid fatty acid profiling indicated that there were different soil microbial communities in the segments containing allelochemicals residues in the developed TLC soil layer. A difference in microbial community structure occurred between two nitrogenous DIMBOA and m-tyrosine and another eight allelochemicals. The results suggest that the soil activity of allelochemicals on bioassay species and microbial communities depends on their mobility in soil.

BOA Detoxification of Four Summer Weeds during Germination and Seedling Growth

A recent greenhouse study revealed a significant reduction of germination and growth of redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) and common purslane (Portulaca oleracea) by rye mulch, whereas velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) and common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) were not suppressed. Since BOA detoxification by metabolic alteration may influence the relation between the benzoxazinoid content of the soil mulch and weed suppression, we tested the dynamics in BOA detoxification in different plant organs of three and 10-day-old seedlings of four warm season weeds incubated with five BOA concentrations (4, 20, 40, 80, and 200 μmol g(-1) fresh weight). In addition, germination and length of 3-day-old seedlings were measured after exposure to 0, 0.3, 1.5, 3, 6, and 15 μmol BOA. Finally, we tested the influence of the MDR translocator inhibitors verapamil, nifedipine, and the GST inhibitor ethycrynic acid on BOA accumulation and detoxification activity. Due to BOA-detoxification, all weeds were able to grow in environments with low BOA contents. At higher contents, Abutilon theophrasti and Chenopodium album had a better chance to survive because of highly active mechanisms that avoided the uptake of BOA (A. theophrasti) and of efficient detoxification activities in youngest seedlings (C. album). The interpretation of all of the data gave the following sequence of increasing sensitivity: A. theophrasti <<< C. album << P. oleracea ≤ A. retroflexus. The results were in agreement with recent findings of the suppression of these weeds by rye mulches and their benzoxazinoid contents. Our studies demonstrate for the first time that the detoxification of BOA influences the survival of certain weeds in environments enriched with this allelochemical. Therefore, detoxification processes affect the potential for weed suppression by soil allelochemicals in sustainable weed management.

The fungal fast lane: common mycorrhizal networks extend bioactive zones of allelochemicals in soils.

Allelopathy, a phenomenon where compounds produced by one plant limit the growth of surrounding plants, is a controversially discussed factor in plant-plant interactions with great significance for plant community structure. Common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs) form belowground networks that interconnect multiple plant species; yet these networks are typically ignored in studies of allelopathy. We tested the hypothesis that CMNs facilitate transport of allelochemicals from supplier to target plants, thereby affecting allelopathic interactions. We analyzed accumulation of a model allelopathic substance, the herbicide imazamox, and two allelopathic thiophenes released from Tagetes tenuifolia roots, by diffusion through soil and CMNs. We also conducted bioassays to determine how the accumulated substances affected plant growth. All compounds accumulated to greater levels in target soils with CMNs as opposed to soils without CMNs. This increased accumulation was associated with reduced growth of target plants in soils with CMNs. Our results show that CMNs support transfer of allelochemicals from supplier to target plants and thus lead to allelochemical accumulation at levels that could not be reached by diffusion through soil alone. We conclude that CMNs expand the bioactive zones of allelochemicals in natural environments, with significant implications for interspecies chemical interactions in plant communities.

Biodegradation of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid by Phomopsis liquidambari

Phenolic acid allelochemicals released by decomposing foliage can have negative impacts on growth of plants and microbes in soil. However, these chemicals can potentially be degraded by broad-spectrum endophytic fungi such as, Phomopsis liquidambari (strain B3), which is capable of growing on phenolic 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA) as the sole carbon and energy source. In this study, the optimum concentration of 4-HBA supplied in culture as the carbon source was determined to be 600 mg L −1, with maximum biomass of fungal growth and, 94% and 99% degraded by P. liquidambari in liquid culture and soil conditions, respectively, within 48 h. The fungal metabolic pathway of 4-HBA was investigated using high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The results showed that 4-HBA was first hydroxylated to 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, converted to catechol and then oxidated to cis, cis-muconic acid in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The benzene ring was opened through ortho catechol cleavage. During the course of fungal incubation, activities of three main 4-HBA degradation pathway enzymes exhibited a continuous cascading pattern of induction. 4-HBA hydroxylase showed the highest activity after 8 h of incubation, with 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid decarboxylase reaching a peak at 24 h and catechol 1,2-dioxygenase peaking at 32 h, which corresponded with changes in corresponding substrate concentrations. These results indicated the bioremediation potential of this endophytic fungus to degrade accumulated phenolic acid allelochemicals in soil to alleviate the effects of their ecological suppression.