Investigating the role of root exudates in the interaction between oak seedlings and purple moor grass in temperate forest

Oak regeneration in temperate forests often fails the presence of understorey grass. Competition by resource exploitation between plants has been extensively studied. By contrast, competition interference, especially chemical interference (allelopathy), much less thoroughly examined and its relative importance remains unclear. We investigated influence allelopathic interaction on plant performance (biomass production) a pot experiment with sessile oak (Quercus petraea) purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea), either sole- or mixed-grown. Plants were watered Quercus root exudates Molinia exudates. After 6 months growth, biomass increment was significantly lowered The oak’s system more strongly affected than aerial part. favoured growth but did not affect Conversely, had small depressive effect own grown same pot. Resource detrimental allelopathy both processes together decreasing 50%. Although untargeted metabolomic analysis UHPLC failed to identify any potentially substances involved, our study demonstrates lower critical contribution seedling-moor compared processes. To ensure regeneration, management forest ecosystems should thus first focus reducing close seedlings help decrease ease competition.