Allelopathic Effects of Lantana (Lantana camara) on Milkweedvine (Morrenia odorata)

Abstract

Allelopathic effects of lantana (Lantana camaraL. ♯3LANCA) residues (root, shoot), foliar leachates, and the soil (where lantana was grown) on milkweedvine (Morrenia odorataLindl. ♯3MONOD) seed germination and growth over a 30-day period were examined. Foliar leachates or the soil collected from the field where lantana had been growing had no effect on the final germination percentage or the seedling growth of milkweedvine. Incorporation of dried lantana shoot or root material into soil had no effect on the final percentage germination but caused significant reductions in milkweedvine growth over a 30-day test period. Roots were more inhibitory than shoots. Fifty percent of milkweedvine seedlings died within 15 days after germination at 1% (w/w) dried lantana root incorporation into the soil, and higher concentrations increased seedling death. Lantana roots incorporated into the soil produced foliar symptoms such as wilting and desiccation, whereas lantana shoots incorporated into the soil produced yellowing of the foliage of milkweedvine. Allelopathic activity of lantana residues was still strong even after decomposition of lantana residues for 4 weeks prior to the planting of milkweedvine seeds.