Detection of allelopathic activity of Chinese tallow Triadica sebifera (Euphorbiaceae) by the sandwich method

Abstract

Allelopathic activity of Chinese tallow, Triadica sebifera (L.) Small (Euphorbiaceae) was examined by the sandwich method. As the results of the assay of T. sebifera leaf powder against lettuce seed germination, the elongation of radicle and hypocotyl were reduced by 22.8 % and 53.9 % respectively, compared to the control experiments. Comparison with the assay of Glechoma hederacea L. subsp. grandis (A.Gray) H.Hara (Lamiaceae), which is known to have allelopathic activity, suggested that T. sebifera has relatively high allelopathic activity. Unidentified allelochemicals released by T. sebifera may allow the species to behave as an invasive alien species around the world.