Casuarina equisetifolia L. is a noxious plant species known to be invasive in the West Indies. Not much is known about its impact on its host environment. This study’s objective was to quantitatively compare physical and chemical soil differences between sites dominated by and devoid of Casuarinas. This study also conducted growth chamber experiments to determine potential for allelopathy. It was demonstrated that sites dominated by Casuarinas differed significantly in K, P, organic matter, and leaf litter depth. Application of Casuarinas leachate showed reduction in germination of radish and bean seeds by at least 32% and 70%, respectively. Once germinated no growth suppression of seedlings were observed with applications of Casuarinas leachate. Investigation with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) revealed the potential presence of the allelochemical chalepin. This research demonstrates that Casuarinas have the potential to modify their host environment and therefore perpetuate their existence as a noxious invasive species.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:MSSTATE/oai:scholarsjunction.msstate.edu:td-4981 |
| Date | 01 May 2010 |
| Creators | Buehler, Charlotte P |
| Publisher | Scholars Junction |
| Source Sets | Mississippi State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Theses and Dissertations |
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