Author

Thomas Luehl

Date of Award

2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

McCord, Elzie

Keywords

Invasive Plant Species, Florida, Plant Biology, Native Florida Plants

Area of Concentration

Environmental Science

Abstract

Brazilian pepper is an invader of Central and South Florida that is displacing native animal and plant species. Theories of how Brazilian pepper has adapted to the Florida ecosystem and dominates the new environment vary between those based on environmental factors or plant factors. This research reviews the theory that allelopathic chemicals produced by Brazilian pepper are introduced into the soil to inhibit native and other invasive species. It was determined that this could be proven via observations gained through laboratory and field experimentation, based on EPA guidelines. This review concludes that there is adequate evidence to support claims that allelopathic competition exists in Brazilian pepper.

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