ISSN:
1573-5036
Keywords:
allelochemicals
;
Brassica napus
;
germination
;
glucosinolates
;
isothiocyanates
;
rapeseed
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract Enzymatic hydrolysis of glucosinolates, a class of compounds found in Brassica species, results in a number of products with potential to inhibit seed germination. To investigate the impact of both volatile and water-soluble allelochemicals, germination bioassays using Lactuca sativa seeds were conducted with root and combined leaf and stem tissues of Brassica napus. Tissues in which glucosinolates were hydrolyzed to remove volatile glucosinolate degradation products were compared with intact tissues and water controls. Only tissues containing glucosinolates produced volatiles that inhibited germination. Volatiles were trapped and identified using GC-MS. Volatiles produced in greater quanitity from intact tissues than from tissues without glucosinolates were almost exclusively glucosinolate hydrolysis products. Water-soluble components also inhibited germination. Chemical analysis of extracts confirmed the presence of glucosinolate hydrolysis products, but indicated the involvement of additional allelochemicals, especially in leaf and stem tissues. Results support the proposal that glucosinolate-containing plant tissues may contribute to reductions in synthetic pesticide use if weed seeds are targeted.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00012065
Permalink
