Effect of Rhazya stricta foliage leachate on seedling growth and survival of some range plant species

Abstract EN

Rhuzyu siricia, an evergreen poisonous shrub, is rapidly invading large areas of rangelands in Saudi Arabia.

A laboratory study was conducted to investigate the effect of its dry foliage leachate on seedling growth and sur- vival of some range plants including R.

siricra its self at different stages of seedling growth.

Results indicated that seedlings were more susceptible to allelopathic effects at their early days of growth.

Seedling growth was depressed and hence survival was negatively affected.

Root growth was more restricted than shoots.

Species varied in their response to leachate.

Sensitivity ranking of species was as follows: R.

striaa — Achillea fra^rantissima > Farsetiu uegyptia > Atriplex halimus > Lusiurus sindicus.

Least sensitive species and species having fast and vigorous seedling growjh should be select- ed for revegetation of R.

siricia invaded range sites.