Phytotoxins new problem in forestry?

Abstract

PHYTOTOXINS have not received much attention from forest soil scientists or tree physiologists. The subject probably is unfamiliar to many practicing foresters. However, the basic idea that some trees or plants may produce substances which inhibit growth of other vegetation is not new. People working in agriculture and plant physiology have considered such possibilities for more than a century. In 1832 DeCandolle observed that certain species appeared to inhibit growth of associated species and suggested that toxic substances were involved (12). Shortly thereafter, the toxin theory became less popular and most adverse plant growth interactions were interpreted in terms of nutrient balances (6). Interest in toxic substances was not rekindled until the early 1900's when organic toxins were isolated from a number of soils by USDA scientists (31, 33, 34). However, sufficient evidence to conclude that phytotoxins can play important roles in development of vegetation did not accumulate until the 1950's and 1960's.

Citation

DeBell, Dean S. 1970. Phytotoxins new problem in forestry. Journal of Forestry. 68(6): 335-337.