University Honors

In this research, we are studying the allelopathic effects between the common Sunflower(Helianthus annuus) and Shortpod Mustard (Hirschfeldia incana). Allelopathy is the synthesis ofchemicals by a plant species that may impact nearby plants or soil microbes. It is used tosuppress weeds from growing, in insect pest management, and to control diseases in field crops.However, allelopathy also allows many invasive plants to invade native habitats. Black Mustard(Hirschfeldia incana) is one of the common invasive species in California. Several studies haveshown that planting sunflower seeds after Brassica reduces the sunflowers chances ofgermination and growth. Although sunflowers and Brassica share allelopathic traits, this researchwill be testing if Hirschfeldia incana affects Helianthus annuus seed germination and growth. Inorder to test this, We collected Brassica leaves from the field and prepared a leachate using theBrassica leaves. Then, we conducted germination trials using previously collected Helianthusannuus seeds with and without Brassica leachate. Overall, the research goal was to learn moreabout the allelopathic effect on these plants and how they affected their ecosystems.