Allelopathic Effects of Fir Tree (Abies holophylla)

It was found that seed germination and seedling growth of selected species were inhibited by phytotoxic substance released from fir trees. The aqueous extracts of leaves caused significant inhibition in the seed germination of the receptor plants, Whereas seed germination of some species was not inhibited in extracts of leaves, but seedling elongation of the receptor plants was also decreased by the aqueous extract. Dry weight growth was slightly increased in lower concentration of the extract, while that was proportionally inhibited by higher concentration of the extracts. Chemical substances of fir trees were shown the biological toxicity. The GC method was employed for analysis of phytotoxic chemicals and sixteen chemical substances were identified such as benzoic, phenylacetic, etc. Also 33 volatile substances were identified from the fir tree. These chemical compounds are assumed the substances related to allelopathic potential of Abies holophylla plant species.