ISSN:
1573-1561
Keywords:
Aleurone
;
5-methoxypsoralen
;
8-methoxypsoralen
;
4-hydroxycoumarin
;
coumarins
;
dormancy
;
light
;
radish
;
Raphanus sativus
;
root inhibition
;
Ruta graveolens rue
;
seed coat
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract An aqueous extract ofRuta graveolens L. (250 g/liter) was tested for its allelopathic activity in vitro on radish germination and radicle growth in light and darkness. It caused a delay in the onset and a decrease in the rate of germination (40%) in the light. The photoinhibition of germination was accompanied by an inhibition of water uptake into the seed. Furthermore, the inhibition of radicle growth was slightly higher in the light than in darkness. Three potential allelochemicals, biologically active in the light, were isolated from the extract: 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP), 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), and 4-hydroxy-coumarin at concentrations of 10−4 M, 2×10−4 M, and 0.4 ×10−5 M respectively. At a concentration of 2×10−4 M, 5-MOP was the most potent inhibitor, decreasing radish germination to 32% and radicle growth to 17% with respect to control. Microscopic observations of radish seeds treated with 5-MOP suggest that this substance changes the swelling of the seed coat and aleurone layer, which precedes radicle protrusion.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02098388
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