Allelopathy in aquatic environments may provide a competitive advantage to angiosperms, algae, or cyanobacteria in their interaction with other primary producers. Allelopathy can influence the competition between different photoautotrophs for resources and change the succession of species, for exarnple, in phytoplankton cornmunities. Field evidence and laboratory studies indicate that allelopathy occurs in all aquatic habitats (marine and freshwater), and that ail prirnary producing organisms (cyanobacteria, micro-and macroalgae as well as angiospenns) are capable of producing and releasing allelopathically active compounds. Although allelopathy also includes positive (stimulating) interactions, the majority of studies describe the inhibitory activity of ailelopathicaily active compounds. Different mechanisms operate depending on whether allelopathy takes place in the Open water (pelagic zone) or is Substrate associated (benthic habitats). Allelopathical interactions are especiaily common in fully aquatic species, such as submersed macrophytes or benthic algae and cyanobacteria. The prevention of shading by epiphytic and planktonic primary producers and the competition for space may be the ultimate cause for allelopathical interactions. Aquatic ailelochemicals often target multiple physiological processes. The inhibition of photosynthesis of competing primary producers seems tobe a frequent mode of action. Multiple biotic and abiotic factors determine the strength of allelopathic interactions. Bacteria associated with the donor or target organism can metabolize excreted aiielochemicals. Frequently, the impact of surplus or limiting nutrients has been shown to affect the overail production of allelochemicals and their effect on target species. Similarities and differences of ailelopathic interactions in marine and freshwater habitats as well as between the different types of producing organisms are discussed.

ABSTRACT1. The European Water Framework Directive requires the determination of ecological status in European fresh and saline waters. This is to be through the establishment of a typology of surface water bodies, the determination of reference (high status) conditions in each element (ecotype) of the typology and of lower grades of status (good, moderate, poor and bad) for each ecotype. It then requires classification of the status of the water bodies and their restoration to at least 'good status' in a specified period.2. Though there are many methods for assessing water quality, none has the scope of that defined in the Directive. The provisions of the Directive require a wide range of variables to be measured and give only general guidance as to how systems of classification should be established. This raises issues of comparability across States and of the costs of making the determinations.3. Using expert workshops and subsequent field testing, a practicable pan-European typology and classification system has been developed for shallow lakes, which can easily be extended to all lakes. It is parsimonious in its choice of determinands, but based on current limnological understanding and therefore as cost-effective as possible.4. A core typology is described, which can be expanded easily in particular States to meet local conditions. The core includes 48 ecotypes across the entire European climate gradient and incorporates climate, lake area, geology of the catchment and conductivity.5. The classification system is founded on a liberal interpretation of Annexes in the Directive and uses variables that are inexpensive to measure and ecologically relevant. The need for taxonomic expertise is minimized.6. The scheme has been through eight iterations, two of which were tested in the field on tranches of 66 lakes. The final version, Version 8, is offered for operational testing and further refinement by statutory authorities.

Abstract--Aqueous acetone extracts of shoots of Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) exhibit a strong inhibitory action against various coccoid and filamentous cyanobacteria and to a slightly less extent against chlorophytes and diatoms. Bioassay-directed fractionation led to the isolation of a hydrolysable polyphenol, tellimagrandin II, which turned out to be the main inhibitory substance. Myriophyllum spicatum contains large amounts of this compound (1.5 % of dry wt). Part of the inhibitory activity is due to complexation and inactivation of algal extracellular enzymes (e.g. alkaline phosphatase) by hydrolysable polyphenols from M. spicatum.

One of the most serious problems caused by eutrophication of shallow lakes is the disappearance of submerged macrophytes and the switch to a turbid, phytoplankton-dominated state. The reduction of external nutrient loads often does not result in a change back to the macrophyte-dominated state because stabilising mechanisms that cause resilience may delay a response. Additional internal lake restoration measures may therefore be needed to decrease the concentration of total phosphorus and increase water clarity. The re-establishment of submerged macrophytes required for a long-term stability of clear water conditions, however, may still fail, or mass developments of tallgrowing species may cause nuisance for recreational use. Both cases are often not taken into account when restoration measures are planned in Germany, and existing schemes to reduce eutrophication consider the topic inadequately.Here we develop a step-by-step guideline to assess the chances of submerged macrophyte re-establishment in shallow lakes. We reviewed and rated the existing literature and case studies with special regard on (1) the impact of different internal lake restoration methods on the development of submerged macrophytes, (2) methods for the assessment of natural re-establishment, (3) requirements and methods for artificial support of submerged macrophyte development and (4) management options of macrophyte species diversity and abundance in Germany. This guideline is intended to help lake managers aiming to restore shallow lakes in Germany to critically asses and predict the potential development of submerged vegetation, taking into account the complex factors and interrelations that determine their occurrence, abundance and diversity.

Inhibition of phytoplankton by allelochemicals released by submerged macrophytes is supposed to be one of the mechanisms that contribute to the stabilisation of clear-water states in shallow lakes. The relevance of this process at ecosystem level, however, is debated because in situ evidence is difficult to achieve. Our literature review indicates that allelopathically active species such as Myriophyllum, Ceratophyllum, Elodea and Najas or certain charophytes are among the most frequent submerged macrophytes in temperate shallow lakes. The most common experimental approach for allelopathic interference between macrophytes and phytoplankton has been the use of plant extracts or purified plant compounds. Final evidence, however, requires combination with more realistic in situ experiments. Such investigations have successfully been performed with selected species. In situ allelopathic activity is also influenced by the fact that phytoplankton species exhibit differential sensitivity against allelochemicals both between and within major taxonomic groups such as diatoms, cyanobacteria and chlorophytes. In general, epiphytic species apparently are less sensitive towards allelochemicals than phytoplankton despite living closely attached to the plants and being of key importance for macrophyte growth due to their shading. Light and nutrient availability potentially influence the sensitivity of target algae and cyanobacteria. Whether or not additional stressors such as nutrient limitation enhance or dampen allelopathic interactions still has to be clarified. We strongly propose allelopathy as an important mechanism in the interaction between submerged macrophytes and phytoplankton in shallow lakes based on the frequent occurrence of active species and the knowledge of potential target species. The role of allelopathy interfering with epiphyton development is less well understood. Including further levels of complexity, such as nutrient interference, grazing and climate, will extend this ecosystem-based view of in situ allelopathy. ZusammenfassungDie Inhibition von Phytoplankton durch Allelochemikalien aus submersen Makrophyten ist einer der potentiellen Mechanismen, die zur Stabilisierung von Klarwasserzusta¨nden in Makrophyten-dominierten Flachseen beitragen. Die Relevanz dieses Prozesses auf Ö kosystemebene ist jedoch umstritten, da der in situ Nachweis schwierig ist. Unsere Literaturu¨bersicht zeigt, dass allelopathisch aktive Arten wie Myriophyllum, Ceratophyllum, Elodea und Najas sowie bestimmte Characeen zu den ha¨ufigsten submersen Makrophyten in Flachseen der gema¨ßigten Breiten geho¨ren. Der experimentelle Nachweis allelopathischer Effekte auf Phytoplankton erfolgte bisher u¨berwiegend durch Pflanzenextrakte oder aufgereinigte Substanzen. Ein endgu¨ltiger Beweis erfordert jedoch zusa¨tzlich Experimente unter in situ Bedingungen, publ. in: Basic and Applied Ecology, 9, 2008, pp. 422-432 Konstanzer