Autoinhibition and soil allelochemical (cyclic dipeptide) levels in replanted Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) plantations

Despite increasing knowledge of the role of allelochemicals in the productivity decline of replanted Chinese fir plantations, relatively little is known about the levels and sources of allelochemicals in relation to autoinhibition. Allelopathic potential of litter, root exudates, and soils in successive rotations of Chinese fir plantations were detected. An allelochemical cyclic dipeptide (6-hydroxy-1,3-dimethyl-8-nonadecyl-[1,4]-diazocane-2,5-dione) from litter, root exudates, and soils in successive rotations was quantified. Extracts of leaf litter, fine root, and root exudates significantly inhibited the growth of Chinese fir germinants, and inhibition increased with successive rotations. Similar results were observed in the rhizosphere soil, basal soil, and bulk soil. The largest observed inhibition occurred in the rhizosphere soil. Furthermore, cyclic dipeptide was found in litter, root exudates, and soils, and the concentrations increased with successive rotations. The rhizosphere soil had the highest cyclic dipeptide level, followed by basal soil, while bulk soil contained the lowest concentration. There was a significant positive relationship between the inhibition of radicle growth of Chinese fir germinants and the concentration of cyclic dipeptide. Annual release of cyclic dipeptide through root exudation was 2.08-9.78 mol ha(-1) annum, but the annual release of cyclic dipeptide through leaf litter decomposition was lowered to 0.32-1.41 mol ha(-1) annum. Cyclic dipeptide which caused autoinhibition of Chinese fir may be released into the soil through litter decomposition and root exudation. Root exudates provided more contributions to soil cyclic dipeptide levels than litter in Chinese fir plantations.