Hassan, M.O.; Mohamed, H.Y.; Okla, M.K.; Kiani, B.H.; Amro, A. Dense Cover, but Not Allelopathic Potential, of Naturalized Alien Cenchrus echinatus L. Threatens the Native Species in Urban Vegetation. Plants2023, 12, 3736.
Hassan, M.O.; Mohamed, H.Y.; Okla, M.K.; Kiani, B.H.; Amro, A. Dense Cover, but Not Allelopathic Potential, of Naturalized Alien Cenchrus echinatus L. Threatens the Native Species in Urban Vegetation. Plants 2023, 12, 3736.
Hassan, M.O.; Mohamed, H.Y.; Okla, M.K.; Kiani, B.H.; Amro, A. Dense Cover, but Not Allelopathic Potential, of Naturalized Alien Cenchrus echinatus L. Threatens the Native Species in Urban Vegetation. Plants2023, 12, 3736.
Hassan, M.O.; Mohamed, H.Y.; Okla, M.K.; Kiani, B.H.; Amro, A. Dense Cover, but Not Allelopathic Potential, of Naturalized Alien Cenchrus echinatus L. Threatens the Native Species in Urban Vegetation. Plants 2023, 12, 3736.
Abstract
Exotic plants are usually problematic for the native species where they coexist. This study evaluated the effect of naturalised alien Cenchrus echinatus L. on native plants in the urban vegetation. A field trial was conducted to assess the effect of this species on cover and diversity of the native vegetation. The allelopathic potential of such species was examined. Plots comprising C. echinatus had lower cover of some native species. Lower floristic diversity was observed at more dense cover of this plant. The soil under Cenchrus attained lower N, P and K contents. This soil had no effect on germination and growth of the native species. It also comprised germinable seeds of some species which were absent from the standing vegetation. Exotic C. echinatus may exert a negative effect on the native vegetation of the urban plant communities. Dense cover of Cenchrus may inhibit germination of native species, leading to reduction in their cover. The reduction in cover and diversity of native species was not attributed to allelopathy. These results suggest that naturalised C. echinatus may be more competitor than the native ones, particularly at higher densities. Furthermore, it may represent a threat for the native plants in the urban vegetation.
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