Allelopathic potentials of volatiles from Wedelia trilobata L.

The allelopathic potentials of volatiles of Wedelia trilobata L.were investigated to determine the role of allelopathy in successful invasion of this alien plant in South China.The results showed that volatiles released from leaves and stems of W.trilobata L.in an airproof system significantly inhibited the seedling growth of Echinochloa crusgalli(L.) Beauv.,Bidens pilosa L. and Alternanthera sessilis L.Essential oil obtained from the steam distillation of fresh leaves and stems also significantly inhibited the seedling growth of the three weeds.The denser the essential oils was the more inhibitable it becomes.The experiments showed that volatiles of W.trilobata have allelopathic potentials which can be used as an important mechanism of successful invasion of this alien species.