Studies of allelopathy in the invasive fern Pteridium arachnoideum (Kaulf.) Maxon

Abstract

Biological invasions are considered today one of the most serious ecological problems faced by scientists and managers of protected areas worldwide. However, the various aspects involved in the invasion process are not yet fully understood and, consequently, little is known about techniques to control invasions. Ferns of the genus Pteridium are among the main weeds in several regions of the planet, having a system of rhizomes that help its rapid expansion. Some studies have shown that ferns of this genus have allelopathic effect, however, there are many controversial results in literature. In a previous study, our research group indicated that the species P. arachnoideum has allelochemicals in their green fronds. This project aims to evaluate if the seasonality of the Cerrado climate influences the allelopathic potential of Pteridium arachnoideum (Kaulf.) Maxon., contributing with information that may help to understand the invasion process, since the species has been occurring in the Cerrado area in the Ecological Station of Assis, SP.(AU)