• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.84 no.3
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• pp.394-405
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• 1995

Certain ericaceous understory plants of temperate forests proliferate following forest clearcutting and fire. Rapid vegetative growth of these plants may affect conifer regeneration due to their strong competitive abilities and allelopathic properties. Planted conifers in these shrub-dominated habitats experience "growth check" which may result in a loss of productivity or in extreme cases total failure of forest regeneration. This growth check phenomenon is exemplified in Calluna Sitca spruce Scots pine ecosystems of western Europe, Kalmia black spruce ecosystem of eastern Canada and Gaultheria-cedar/hemlock ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Dynamics of Kalmia black spruce ecosystem following disturbance was used to explain the mechanism of conifer growth inhibition and their regeneration failure. It is argued that in addition to competition for nutrients, Kalmia allelopathy plays a major role in growth inhibition of black spruce. This conclusion is supported by the results of various field, laboratory and greenhouse experiments. Eight phenolic compounds were isolated and identified from the leaves of Kalmia angustifolia, four of which are known to be highly phyotoxic to black spruce. Methods of overcoming the allelopathic effects of Kalmia in order to enhance black spruce regeneration in Kalmia-dominated sites are discussed.