Phenolic acids, laboratory bioassays

What follows this introduction to plant-plant interactions (Chapter 1) are three additional chapters. The first chapter (Chapter 2) describes the behavior of allelopathic agents in nutrient culture and soil-microbe-seedling systems under laboratory conditions. Simple phenolic acids were chosen as the allelopathic agents for study in these model systems (see justifications in Section 2.2.6). The next chapter (Chapter 3) describes the relationships or lack of relationships between weed seedling behavior and the physicochemical environment in cover crop no-till fields and in laboratory bioassays. Here as well the emphasis is on the potential role of phenolic acids. The final chapter (Chapter 4) restates the central objectives of Chapters 2 and 3 in the form of testable hypotheses, addresses several central questions raised in these chapters, outlines why a holistic approach is required when studying allelopathic plant-plant interactions, and suggests some ways by which this may be achieved. 

Blum U (2007) Can data derived from field and laboratory bioassays establish the existence of aUelopathic interactions in nature In Fujii Y, Hiradate S (eds) Allelopathy new concepts and methodology. Science Pubhshers, Enfield, NH, pp 31-38 Blum U, Austin MF, Shafer SR (1999a) The fates and effects of phenolic acids in a plant-microbe-soil model system. In Macias FA, Galindo JCG, Mohnillo JMG, Cutler HG (eds) Recent advances in allelopathy I. A science for the future. Cadiz University Press, Puerto Real, pp 159-166... 

Indeijit, Streibig JC, Olofsdotter M (2002) Joint action of phenolic acids mixtures and its significance in aUelopathy research. Physiol Plant 114 422 28 Indeijit, Weston LA (2000) Are laboratory bioassays for allelopathy suitable for prediction of field responses J Chem Ecol 26 2111-2118... 

Abstract This chapter describes the underlying criteria and assumption in the development and execution of field and associated laboratory bioassays. It provides details and commentary regarding the materials and methods used. More specifically, describes how glyphosate-desiccated wheat and other cover crops (crimson clover, subterranean clover, and rye) in no-till systems can directly and indirectly influence morningglory, pigweed, and prickly sida seedling emergence, with emphasis on the role of phenolic acids in plant residues and soil. 

Bertin C, Harmon R, Akaogi M, Weidenhamer ID, Weston LA (2009) Assessment of the phytotoxic potential of m-tyrosine in laboratory soil bioassays. J Chem Ecol 35 1288-1294 Blum U (1996) Allelopathic interactions involving phenolic acids. J Nematol 28 259-267 Blum U (1998) Effects of microbial utilization of phenolic acids and their phenolic add breakdown products on allelopathic interactions. J Chem Ecol 24 685-708... 

---