Abstract
Several experiments have been conducted at the University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, to determine the role of allelopathic (autotoxicity) effects of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) on the establishment of alfalfa. By means of correcting any soil fertility differences and protecting the alfalfa seedlings from fungal attack, results suggest that there is a release of phytotoxic factors from the previous crop on reestablishing alfalfa. Field results indicate that the best preceding crop for alfalfa establishment is corn (Zea mays L.), followed by various small grains, soybeans (Glycine max L.), and the worst preceding crop is alfalfa. Results indicate there were no major genetic differences among cultivars for resistance to autotoxicity. There was no evidence supporting saponins as being phytotoxic to alfalfa. Exudates of different saponin level cultivars indicated that saponin content is not the suspected phytotoxic factor.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Goplen, B.P., andWebster, G.R. 1969. Selection inMedicago sativa for tolerance to alfalfa-sick soils of central Alberta.Agron. J. 61:489–490.
Graham, J.H., Stuteville, D.L., Frodheiser, F.I., andErwin, D.C. 1979. A Compendium of Alfalfa Diseases, 1st ed. American Phytopathology Society, St. Paul, Minnesota.
Guenzi, W.D., Kehr, W.R., andMcCalla, T.M. 1964. Water-soluble phytotoxic substances in alfalfa forage: Variation with variety, cutting year and stage of growth.Agron. J. 56:499–500.
Klein, R.R., andMiller, D.A. 1980. Allelopathy and its role in Agriculture.Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 11:43–56.
Leshem, V., andLevin, I. 1978. The effect of growing alfalfa on subsequent cotton plant development and on nitrate formation in peat soil.Plant Soil 50:323–328.
Marchaim, U., Birk, U., Dovrat, A., andBerman, T. 1975. Kinetics of the inhibition of cotton seeds germination by lucern saponins.Plant Cell Physiol. 16:857–864.
Nielsen, K.F., Cuddy, T., andWoods, W. 1960. The influence of the extracts of some crops and soil residues on germination and growth.Can. J. Plant Sci. 40:188–197.
Rice, E.L. 1974. Allelopathy. Academic Press, New York.
Smith, D. 1975. Forage Management in the North, 3rd ed. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co., Dubuque, Iowa.
Webster, G.R., Khan, S.U., andMoore, A.W. 1967. Poor growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) on some Alberta soils.Agron. J. 59:37–41.
Webster, G.R., andDeKock, P.C. 1969. Nutrient status of alfalfa showing poor growth on some Alberta soils.Can. J. Plant Sci. 50:277–282.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Miller, D.A. Allelopathic effects of alfalfa. J Chem Ecol 9, 1059–1072 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00982211
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00982211