Litter decomposition process dramatically declines the allelopathy of L. on the seed germination and seedling growth of L.

A variety of invasive alien species (IAS) can trigger distinct allelopathy on the seed germination and seedling growth (SGeSGr) of native plant species (NPS) mainly through the released allelochemicals. However, the decomposition process of IAS litters may affect their allelopathy on SGeSGr of NPS because part of the allelochemicals will be released during the litter decomposition process, especially under heavy metal pollution. This study focuses on the impacts of the litter decomposition process of the notorious IAS L. on its allelopathy on SGeSGr of NPS L. under cadmium (Cd) pollution. The decomposition process signally declines the allelopathy of litters on SGeSGr of likely because partial allelochemicals in litters discharged during the decomposition process. Cd addition noticeably rises the allelopathy of litters on SGeSGr of probably because Cd can reduce plant growth largely the improved lipid membrane permeability and the induced reactive oxygen molecules which is unfavorable to plant cell metabolism. This phenomenon may also be attributed to the weak acid properties of one of the most abundant allelochemicals in litters, , phenolics (particularly polyphenols), can improve the solubility and the toxicity of Cd.