Allelopathic behavior of Haloxylon aphyllum and Artemisia sieberi and their effects on vegetation of arid regions

Allelopathy is known as the interaction effects between plants through the release of chemical compounds, affecting the behavioral patterns of plant communities and their performance. Allelopathic plants, by secreting chemicals, reduce the diversity and frequency of plants underneath the crown as compared to the adjacent open spaces. Receiving less attention so far, allelopathic effects of plants on each other is one of the important concerns in range improvement and reclamation. In this study, the allelopathic properties of Haloxylon aphyllum, as a prominent shrub used in biological reclamation of desert areas and desert margins, and Artemisia sieberi, as a dominant species of steppe rangelands in Iran, were investigated. The review of field observations and review of available scientific literature have been the basis for discussion and conclusion in this regard. According to the results, it is likely that the growth and distribution of other species will not be successful in Haloxylon plantations. On the other hand, the use of Haloxylon shrubs as windbreak or for livestock grazing does not seem to be successful. Because Artemisia sieberi, with its inhibitory effects, may prevent the development of Haloxylon as a companion species in the vegetation composition of steppe rangelands. An explicit commentary on the views presented requires further research in this regard.