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Potential Allelopathic Interference By The Exotic Chinese Tallow Tree (Sapium Sebiferum) (Abstract), Warren C. Conway

Faculty Publications

The Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum) was introduced into the southeastern

United States in late 1800s and has rapidly naturalized throughout the region’s coastal ecosystems. Because tallow forms monotypic woodlands, we hypothesized that allelopathic interference is a mechanism by which tallow maintains and expands its presence. Laboratory experiments were performed using black willow (Salix nigra), baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) and tallow, as test species, to examine the hypothesis that aqueous tallow extracts inhibit seed germination and seedling root growth, shoot growth and mass. Extracts were prepared from tallow litter, woodland soil from under tallow trees …