Allelopathic potential of mangrove plants (Aricennia marina, Aegiceras corniculata and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza)

We investigated the allelopathic potential of volatiles and soils of 3 mangrove species (Aricennia marina, Aegiceras corniculata and Bruguiera gymnorrhiz) on the germination and early growth of (Raphanus sativus L. and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). The volatiles of these mangroves spp at various concentrations, (i) reduced the germination and seedling growth of the test crops (radish, lettuce) and (ii) the soil leachates drastically decreased (60% of control) root and seedling elongation, when activated carbon (with high affinity to adsorb the organic compounds) was added. The roots of test species were most sensitive to allelochemicals. The results showed that these mangrove spp. were allelopathic.