A Method for the Assessment of Allelopathy within Fine Fescue Germplasm.

Previous studies have indicated differences in allelopathic ability among several fine fescue (Festuca spp.) cultivars. Various protocols have been used to screen for allelopathy under both field and laboratory conditions but have not been very reliable due to the complexity of allelopathy. Our objective was to develop an effective and reproducible method which could be used to screen for allelopathy in order to benefit the breeding improvement of this trait in fine fescue.

An aeroponic screening system consisting of a net pot and a polypropylene jar was established to provide a reliable method for allelopathy screening. Fine fescue selections or cultivars were grown each with ten different indicator weed species on perlite. Roots of both fine fescue and the individual indicator species were allowed to penetrate through the perlite and extend to reach the hydroponic solution. Root tips submerged by the hydroponic solution were responsible for nutrient uptake and allelopathic interactions. Root length reductions of indicator species were measured using a digital caliper to quantify the level of allelopathy.