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Abstract
Seed leachates of ‘Kentucky 31’ and ‘Rebel’ tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), ‘Citation’ and ‘Manhattan’ perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.), and ‘Mystic’ and ‘Victa’ Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) were evaluated for inhibition of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. ‘Grand Rapids’) germination and seedling growth (a widely used bioassay for allelopathic effects). Different degrees of inhibition of lettuce seedling growth were found in the turfgrass cultivars ‘Rebel’ > ‘Ky31’, ‘Victa’ > ‘Mystic’, ‘Citation’ = ‘Manhattan’, and in annual bluegrass and annual ryegrass. Grass seed leachates were separated into organic and inorganic fractions using XAD-2 polystyrene resin. Organic fractions were inhibitory to lettuce seedling growth. Inorganic fractions were also inhibitory to lettuce seedling growth at high concentrations but were stimulatory at low concentrations. Germination of lettuce was not affected by leachates or their fractions.