Effect of invasive plant allelochemicals upon other non-native plants

Abstract

Invasive species out-compete native plants, resulting in their displacement. Previous research has found that the spread of invasive grasses and plants can be minimized through chemical controls or applications of herbicides. However, the research into allelochemicals’ potential use as a bioherbicide. According to the “novel weapons hypothesis,” invasive plants’ successful establishment within new environments is a result of their expulsion of novel phytochemicals that inhibit native plant growth, also known as allelopathy. Though, natural neighbors may have adapted such that when exposed invasive allelochemicals, these phytochemicals would be rendered ineffective. Specifically, the application of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) allelochemicals upon Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) has not yet been tested. As A. vulgaris and M. vimineum are not commonly found cohabitating, there is a need to investigate this grass’ tolerance of mugwort allelochemicals. Whether resistance has been established within M. vimineum or not, the bioherbicidal potential of mugwort is worth exploring.