ABSTRACT
The allelopatic activity in five species of Gleicheniaceae (Dicranopteris flexuosa (Schrader) Underw., Gleicheniella pectinata (Willd.) Ching, Sticherus bifidus (Willd.) Ching, Sticherus penniger (Mart.) Copel., Sticherus nigropaleaceus (Sturm.) J. Prado & Lellinger) was studied through the action of aqueous extracts of green and senescent fronds on the germination and the development of lettuce roots (Lactuca sativa L. - cv. grand rapids). Significant differences between the control (distillate water) and aqueous extracts were detected. Specific effects were detected by the test of multiple comparisons of Tukey (HSD). It was observed a significant reduction of germination and root growth in the majority of the treatments. Generally, the aqueous extracts of green fronds showed more activity.
Key wors:
Pteridophyta; Gleicheniaceae; allelopathy.