The allelopathic potential of Erica scoparia L.

The phytochemical action of Erica scoparia L. upon its environment was studied. The toxicity of biogenic heath products on red clover seedlings was demonstrated by biological tests. Ten phenolic hydrosoluble compounds were identified; p-Hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, syringic, caffeic, ferulic, p-coumaric, protocatechuic, genetisic, and 2-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid, as well as 2,4-dihydroxyphenyl acetonitrile.The suppression of herbs, especially grasses, in heathlands can be explained, at least partially, by the allelopathic effects of E. scoparia L.