Allelopathy and competition in coniferous forests

The paper deals with the growth inhibitions and interference potential of e ricaceous shrubs in the coniferous forests, the possible biological and che mical mechanisms involved and suggests the control measures to combat the p roblems of growth inhibition. Competition, allelopathy, resource-toxin hypo thesis and the involvement of ericoid mycorrhizae have been suggested to ex plain growth inhibition in conifers. Control of ericaceous shrubs through i ntegrated management practices involving use of herbicides, mulching for de stroying vegetative buds depending on the site and the extent of shrub spre ad apart from the use of mycorrhizal fungi and/or repeated fertilizer appli cation are recommended.