THE VARIATION OF TOTAL PHENOLICS AGENTS IN EXOTIC GOLDENROD SPECIES.

Worldwide Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) belongs to Asteraceae and spreads across Lithuania. Ability of the species to tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions and rapid spread by different means are often outlined as characteristics determining ability to quickly colonize existing communities and become pervasive outside its native ranges. The main aim of this research was to assess the biochemical parameters of Solidago canadensis associated with its invasion success. In its aqueous extracts, the total phenolics content (TPC) ranged between 0.968 mg ml-1 and 23.591 mg ml-1 depending on the plant ontogenetic stage, part of the plant and extract concentration (r= -0.7). The extract significantly inhibited the germination of rapeseed (r= -0.8) and ryegrass (r= -0.5) across different levels of TPC. Thus, due to accumulated allelochemicals, the invasive S. canadensis might acquire distribution advantage in new territories outside the native habitat range, through the inhibitory effects on germination of native plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]