Allelopathic Effects of Castanea henryi Aqueous Extracts on the Growth and Physiology of Brassica pekinensis and Zea mays

The present study investigated the allelopathic effects of aqueous extracts of Castanea henryi litter on the growth and physiological responses of Brassica pekinensis and Zea mays. Treatment with high concentrations of leaf extract (0.05 g/ml for B. pekinensis and 0.10 g/ml for Z. mays) significantly increased malonaldehyde content and reduced seed germination, seedling growth, chlorophyll content, and the activity levels of antioxidant enzymes. These effects generally increased with increasing extract concentration. However, in Z. mays, low extract concentrations actually promoted seed germination, shoot growth, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activity. The allelopathic effects of the various C. henryi extracts decreased as follows: leaf extract > twig extract > shell extract. Eleven potential allelochemicals including rutin, quercetin, luteolin, procyanidin A2, kaempferol, allantoin, propionic acid, salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, methylmalonic acid, and gentisic acid were identified in the leaves of C. henryi which were linked to the strongest allelopathic effects. These findings suggest that the allelopathic effects of C. henryi differ depending on receptor plant species, and that leaves are the most allelopathic litter in C. henryi.     

Plant growth inhibitory activity of Ophiopogon japonicus Ker-Gawler and role of phenolic acids and their analogues: a comparative study

Allelopathic potential of Ophiopogon japonicus was investigated. The methanolic extract of O. japonicus roots strongly inhibited root and hypocotyls growth of lettuce. Sequential partitioning of the methanol extract with organic solvents showed that the diethyl ether and n-butanol extract possess strong plant growth inhibitory activities. The allelopathic constituents of the diethyl ether extract were isolated and identified as salicylic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid by NMR spectroscopy. Both of these phenolic acids were found in the aqueous extracts of leaves as well. The concentration of salicylic acid in roots and leaves were estimated as 0.011 and 0.02%, respectively, and it inhibited the root and shoot of tested plants by 50% even at less than 3 ppm. The p-hydroxybenzoic acid on the other hand was in less abundance (0.005%) and inhibited the plant growth to a lesser extent. The biological activity of commercially available O-methyl derivatives of these phenolic acids was also determined to establish structure–activity relationship. Among these, salicylic acid was found to be the most active one. These results suggest that Ophiopogon japonicus produces plant growth inhibitors, which are responsible for its potential allelopathic activity.     

Effects of the invasive plant Mikania micrantha H.B.K. on soil nitrogen availability through allelopathy in South China

Allelopathy has been regarded as a mechanism for successful exotic plant invasion. However, it is not clear if and what effects of allelopathic substances may exert on soil nutrient. The exotic plant Mikania micrantha H.B.K. (M. micrantha) has invaded many forests in south China, and recent studies have suggested it has allelopathic potential for other plants and soil microbial community. Thus, we hypothesized that M. micrantha could influence soil nutrients and N transformation through allelopathy. We measured total C and N, NO₃ ⁻, NH₄ ⁺ and pH of the soil beneath M. micrantha and the adjacent open soil, and then measured the above soil properties after treating soil with 3 concentrations of aqueous extracts of M. micrantha (T₁: 0.005 g ml⁻¹; T₂: 0.025 g ml⁻¹; T₃: 0.100 g ml⁻¹). In addition, a bioassay was conducted to determine the allelopathic potential of the soil beneath M. micrantha. The results showed that M. micrantha significantly affected soil nutrients and N transformation. Soil beneath M. micrantha had inhibitory effects on seed germination and seedling growth of test plant, and had significantly higher C, N, ammonia, net nitrification rate than those of open soil. The plant extracts decreased soil pH, and T₁ decreased it the most, and it increased soil C and N, and T₁ represented the greatest increase in both C and N. The extracts also increased both NO₃ ⁻ and NH₄ ⁺ in soil, whereas no significant difference existed among the 3 extract treatments. Compared to the water control, the soil net mineralization rate was higher under T₁, while lower under T₂ and T₃. However, the extracts increased the soil nitrification rates under all the treatments (T₁, T₂ and T₃). Our results suggest that the water soluble allelochemicals of M. micrantha improve soil nutrient availability, through which the invasive plant M. micrantha may successfully invade and establish in new habitats.     

铁核桃根与叶水浸提液对果园间作绿肥植物的化感作用及其生理机制

以西南地区具有代表性的16种绿肥植物为受体材料,采用培养皿药膜法研究了铁核桃(Juglans sigillata)根水浸提液对受体种子发芽率及幼苗鲜重、干重的化感效应;并进一步研究了铁核桃根、叶水浸提液和胡桃醌对化感效应存在明显差异的4种绿肥植物(绿豆、红三叶、白三叶、花生)种子萌发与幼苗生长以及抗氧化酶特性的影响,以筛选适宜中国西南地区核桃园种植的绿肥植物,探讨核桃根和凋落物对绿肥作物的化感作用机制。结果表明:(1)铁核桃根水浸提液对绿豆的发芽率没有影响,但对绿豆幼苗鲜重和干重有显著抑制作用,而对其他15种绿肥的发芽率和鲜重、干重均有抑制作用。(2)胡桃醌显著抑制绿豆种子萌发,而铁核桃根或叶水浸提液对绿豆种子萌发没有影响。(3)铁核桃根或叶水浸提液以及胡桃醌对绿肥植物幼苗生长的化感效应趋势一致,但核桃根或叶水浸提液的化感效应强于胡桃醌。(4)绿豆幼苗在铁核桃根或叶水浸提液以及胡桃醌处理下,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、过氧化物酶(POD)的活性均高于其他3种(红三叶、白三叶、花生)受体幼苗,表明绿豆清除活性氧能力高,细胞受损害程度较低,受化感作用影响最弱。研究认为,绿豆为适宜中国西南地区幼龄核桃园种植的间作绿肥植物。     

薇甘菊化感物质对土壤氮素矿化的影响及其化感利己作用

【目的】研究入侵植物薇甘菊提取物对土壤氮素矿化的影响及化感利己作用,为薇甘菊通过释放化感物质促进自身生长并排斥本地植物生长提供实验证据,为揭示薇甘菊的入侵机制提供理论依据。【方法】采用经典的化感生测实验、化感物质添加实验以及盆栽控制实验,对比研究薇甘菊及其本地伴生植物水提液和粗提物的化感生测效应、水提液和粗提物添加对土壤氮素的影响以及水提液添加对薇甘菊生长的影响。【结果】与本地伴生种相比,薇甘菊水提液的化感抑制作用较强且促进了土壤硝态氮的生成;而薇甘菊粗提物的化感作用较弱且抑制了土壤铵态氮和硝态氮的生成。水提液盆栽控制实验结果表明,与本地伴生种火炭母相比,薇甘菊水提液具有显著的化感利己作用,这与薇甘菊水提液处理后薇甘菊生长土壤中的蛋白酶活性增强和有效氮含量增加相一致。【结论】薇甘菊可通过水溶性化感物质促进有效氮的生成来实现化感利己作用。     

Seasonal dependence and functional implications of macrophyte–phytoplankton allelopathic interactions

Invasive plant species such as Ludwigia hexapetala might have a competitive advantage if they produce allelopathically active compounds against primary producers. Both phytoplankton and plant community structure may be affected due to different, species‐specific sensitivity to allelochemicals. Moreover, such allelopathic interactions could vary over the year depending on (i) the plant's phenological stage and (ii) the abilities of the native macrophytes to suppress—or the non‐native macrophytes to stimulate—the non‐native macrophyte population. We tested the allelopathic effects of aqueous leaf extracts of L. hexapetala on the photosynthetic activity of three target phytoplankton strains (Scenedesmus communis, a toxic Microcystis aeruginosa strain and a non‐toxic Microcystis aeruginosa strain) over three seasons of development (spring, summer and autumn). We also tested seasonal allelopathic effects of aqueous leaf extracts of both L. hexapetala (i.e. the non‐native invasive species) and the native Mentha aquatica on L. hexapetala seed germination. Finally, we identified three main secondary compounds present in the aqueous leaf extracts of L. hexapetala and we tested each individual compound on the phytoplankton's photosynthetic activity and on L. hexapetala seed germination. We observed marked seasonal and species‐specific patterns of L. hexapetala allelopathy on phytoplankton. The photosynthetic activities of S. communis and the toxic M. aeruginosa strain were stimulated by L. hexapetala aqueous leaf extracts in autumn and spring, respectively, whereas the non‐toxic M. aeruginosa strain was strongly inhibited in these two seasons. In summer, photosynthesis of all phytoplankton strains was inhibited. The germination rate of L. hexapetala seeds was stimulated by both L. hexapetala and M. aquatica aqueous leaf extracts, especially in summer, concomitant with the strong negative effects observed on the three phytoplankton strains. Three flavonoid glycosides (myricitrin, prunin and quercitrin) were identified as the main secondary compounds present in the L. hexapetala aqueous leaf extracts. The photosynthetic activity of S. communis was slightly stimulated by the three compounds. The photosynthetic activity of the toxic M. aeruginosa strain was stimulated by myricitrin and quercitrin, whereas that of the non‐toxic M. aeruginosa strain was inhibited by prunin. Finally, the germination rate and the germination velocity of L. hexapetala seeds were stimulated by myricitrin and prunin. These findings suggest that L. hexapetala could favour the photosynthetic activity of toxic cyanobacteria in spring and reduce their photosynthetic activity in summer, potentially leading to drastic changes in the phytoplankton communities and therewith ecological functioning of invaded ponds. Moreover, the stimulation of its seed germination could give a strong competitive advantage to L. hexapetala, thus promoting its invasiveness.     

Isolation and identification of potent allelopathic substances in rattail fescue

Aqueous methanol extracts of rattail fescue (Vulpia myuros) inhibited the growth of roots and shoots of cress (Lepidium sativum), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), timothy (Phleum pratense), Digitaria sanguinalis and Lolium multiflorum. Increasing the extract concentration increased the inhibition, suggesting that rattail fescue may have growth inhibitory substances and possess allelopathic potential. The aqueous methanol extract of rattail fescue was purified and two main inhibitory substances were isolated and identified by spectral data as (−)-3-hydroxy-β-ionone and (+)-3-oxo-α-ionol. Both substances inhibited root and shoot growth of cress at concentrations greater than 0.3 μM. The concentrations required for 50% growth inhibition on root and shoot growth of cress, lettuce, alfalfa, timothy, D. sanguinalis and L. multiflorum were 2.7–19.7 μM for (−)-3-hydroxy-β-ionone, and 2.1–34.5 μM for (+)-3-oxo-α-ionol. The concentration of (−)-3-hydroxy-β-ionone and (+)-3-oxo-α-ionol, respectively, in rattail fescue was 7.8 and 3.7 μg g⁻¹ fresh weight. Considering the endogenous level and the inhibitory activity, (−)-3-hydroxy-β-ionone and (+)-3-oxo-α-ionol may work as allelopathic substances in rattail fescue through the growth inhibition of neighboring plant species.     

Glassworts as Possible Anticancer Agents Against Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells with Their Nutritive,Antioxidant and Phytochemical Profiles

In this study, the possible uses of glassworts as potential food ingredients and their antiproliferative activity against colorectal adenocarcinoma cells together with their antioxidant and phytochemical profiles were investigated for the first time. MeOH extracts of five different taxa collected from different localities were screened for their antioxidant capacities by DPPH (IC₅₀ 2.91 – 5.49 mg/ml) and ABTS (24.4 – 38.5 μmol TE/g extract) assays. Salicornia freitagii exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity. LC/MS/MS analysis displayed that vanillic acid and p‐coumaric acid were two main phenolic compounds in the extract. Salicornia freitagii extracts also exhibited high antiproliferative activity against HT‐29 (IC₅₀ 1.67 mg/ml) and Caco‐2 (IC₅₀ 3.03 mg/ml) cells for 72 h. Mineral analysis indicated that all the species with different proportions of elemental components contained high amount of cations. These results indicate that investigated glassworts, with their high phenolic and mineral contents and also notable antioxidant and cytotoxic properties, may be utilized as a promising source of therapeutics.     

Chemical Characterization and Biological Activities of Phenolic‐Rich Fraction from Cauline Leaves of Isatis tinctoria L. (Brassicaceae) Growing in Sicily,Italy

The present work focused on the evaluation of the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the phenolic‐rich fraction (ItJ‐EAF) obtained from cauline leaves collected in January from Isatis tinctoria L. (Brassicaceae) growing wild around Acireale (Sicily, Italy). The total phenolic, flavonoid, and condensed tannin contents of the fraction were determined spectrophotometrically, whereas the phenolic profile was assessed by HPLC‐PDA/ESI‐MS analysis. A total of 20 compounds were positively identified and twelve out of them were never previously reported in I. tinctoria leaves. The fraction exhibited good radical scavenging activity in DPPH test (IC₅₀ = 0.6657 ± 0.0024 mg/ml) and reducing power (3.87 ± 0.71 ASE/ml), whereas, it neither showed chelating activity nor was able to counteract H₂O₂ induced oxidative stress damage in Escherichia coli. The antiproliferative effect was evaluated in vitro on two human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cell lines (CAL‐62 and 8505C) by MTT assay. At the highest tested concentration ItJ‐EAF significantly reduced (80%) the growth of CAL‐62 cells. No cytotoxicity against Artemia salina was observed. It can be concluded that I. tinctoria cauline leaves represent a source of phenolic compounds which could be potentially used as chemopreventive or adjuvant agents against cancer.     

Allelopathic suppression of wheat and mustard byRumex dentatus ssp.klotzschianus

Laboratory studies were conducted to see the allelopathic suppression of wheat and mustard byRumex dentatus ssp.klotzschianus (Meissn) Rech. It was observed that aqueous extracts, rain leachates and litter from dried and fresh shoot and roots invariably inhibited the germination and seedling growth of both the crop species. Soil collected from beneathRumex dentatus also proved harmful for the germination and seedling growth. It is suggested thatRumex dentatus ssp.klotzschianus exhibits allelopathy against wheat and mustard.     

氮沉降对不同入侵程度加拿大一枝黄花化感作用的影响

为探究全球氮沉降影响外来植物入侵扩张的作用机制,该文通过受控模拟试验,以入侵植物加拿大一枝黄花(Solidago canadensis)为对象,研究了三种氮水平(N0、N5和N12)下五种不同入侵程度(种内及种间竞争)的加拿大一枝黄花凋落叶浸提液对本地植物莴苣(Lactuca sativa)种子萌发和幼苗生长化感作用的影响。结果表明:(1)N0、N5和N12处理下的不同入侵程度加拿大一枝黄花凋落叶浸提液均显著抑制莴苣的萌发和生长,其中N5土壤入侵初期(S1A3)处理浸提液的化感作用最显著,其发芽速度指数、发芽活力指数、根长、株高和叶长比对照分别降低了61%、79%、84%、68%和13%,此时凋落叶中的总酚和总黄酮含量最高,分别为0.48 mg·g^-1和1.50 mg·g^-1。(2)相同氮添加下,入侵程度对加拿大一枝黄花化感作用有显著影响,随着入侵程度的增加,加拿大一枝黄花化感作用显著减弱,入侵初期(S1A3)凋落叶化感作用显著高于入侵后期(S3A1)。(3)相同入侵程度下,氮添加对加拿大一枝黄花化感作用有显著影响,N5处理的加拿大一枝黄花化感作用比N0或N12处理显著增加。(4)氮添加与入侵程度有交互作用,两者共同作用显著影响了莴苣种子的综合化感作用。综上结果表明,氮沉降可能会增强入侵初期加拿大一枝黄花凋落叶对本地植物的化感抑制作用,进一步促进外来植物的成功入侵,为进一步研究加拿大一枝黄花的化感作用及生态防治提供了一定的理论参考。     

Physicochemical Properties,Antioxidant and Anti‐proliferative Capacities of Dried Leaf and Its Extract from Xao tam phan (Paramignya trimera)

Xao tam phan (Paramignya trimera) has been used for the treatment of cancer and cancer‐like aliments. Among different parts of the P. trimera plant, leaf is considered as a residual part after harvesting of the root. This study aimed to determine the physiochemical properties and the antioxidant and anti‐proliferative capacities of P. trimera leaf (PTL) using microwave drying for the preparation of dry sample; MeOH and microwave‐assisted extraction for the preparation of crude extract; and freeze‐drying for the preparation of powdered extract. The results showed that total phenolic, total flavonoid, proanthocyanidin, and saponin contents of PTL prepared by microwave drying at 450 W were 25.4 mg gallic acid equiv. (GAE), 86.3 mg rutin equiv. (RE), 5.6 mg catechin equiv. (CE), and 702.1 mg escin equiv. (EE) per gram dried sample, respectively. Gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, ellagic acid, rutin, and quercetin were identified in the PTL MeOH extract. Dried PTL displayed potent antioxidant activity, while the powdered PTL extract exhibited great anti‐proliferative capacity on various cancer cell lines including MiaPaCa‐2 (pancreas), HT29 (colon), A2780 (ovarian), H460 (lung), A431 (skin), Du145 (prostate), BE2‐C (neuroblastoma), MCF‐7 (breast), MCF‐10A (normal breast), and U87, SJ‐G2, and SMA (glioblastoma). Anti‐proliferative capacity on pancreatic cancer cells (MiaCaPa2, BxPc3, and CFPAC1) of PTL extract (200 μg/ml) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of ostruthin (20 μg/ml) and gemcitabine (50 nm ), and to be comparable to the powdered P. trimera root extract and a saponin‐enriched extract from quillajia bark (a commercial product). The findings from this study allow us to conclude that the PTL is a rich source of phytochemicals that possess promising antioxidant and anti‐proliferative activities, therefore it shows potential as lead compounds for application in the nutraceutical, medicinal and pharmaceutical industries.     

Interaction of Photoprotective and Acclimation Mechanisms in Ulva rigida (Chlorophyta) in Response to Diurnal Changes in Solar Radiation in Southern Chile

Species of the genus Ulva (Chlorophyta) are regarded as opportunistic organisms, which efficiently adjust their metabolism to the prevailing environmental conditions. In this study, changes in chlorophyll‐a fluorescence‐based photoinhibition of photosynthesis, electron transport rates, photosynthetic pigments, lipid peroxidation, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant metabolism were investigated during a diurnal cycle of natural solar radiation in summer (for 12 h) under two treatments: photosynthetically active radiation (PAR: 400–700 nm) and PAR+ ultraviolet (UV) radiation (280–700 nm). In the presence of PAR alone, Ulva rigida showed dynamic photoinhibition, and photosynthetic parameters and pigment concentrations decreased with the intensification of the radiation. On the other hand, under PAR+UV conditions a substantial decline up to 43% was detected and an incomplete fluorescence recovery, also, P‐I curve values remained low in relation to the initial condition. The phenolic compounds increased their concentration only in UV radiation treatments without showing a correlation with the antioxidant activity. The enzimatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) increased over 2‐fold respect at initial values during the onset of light intensity. In contrast, catalase (CAT) increased its activity rapidly in response to the radiation stress to reach maxima at 10 a.m. and decreasing during solar. The present study suggests that U. rigida is capable of acclimating to natural radiation stress relies on a concerted action of various physiological mechanisms that act at different times of the day and under different levels of environmental stress.     

Onion and garlic extracts lessen cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Cadmium (Cd) is a well-known nephrotoxicant inducing kidney damage via oxidative stress. Since kidney is the critical target organ of Cd toxicity, this study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of onion (Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) aqueous extracts on Cd-induced renal oxidative stress in male Wistar rats. The control group received double distilled water alone and Cd group was challenged with 3CdSO₄ · 8H₂O (as Cd) (1.5 mg/100 g bw/day per oral) alone. Extract-treated groups were pre-treated with varied doses (0.5 ml and 1.0 ml/100 g bw/day per oral) of onion and/or garlic extract for 1 week after which they were co-treated with Cd (1.5 mg/100 g bw/day per oral) for 3 weeks. The results showed that the levels of renal lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione-S transferase (GST) were significantly (P < 0.001) increased in rats that received Cd alone relative to the control group. More so, the levels of renal glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase were significantly (P < 0.001) decreased in rats that received Cd alone. Treatment of Cd-intoxicated rats with varied doses of onion and/or garlic extract significantly (P < 0.05) restored the alterations in these parameters relative to the group that received Cd alone. While treatment with high dose of onion extract exerted a significant dose-dependent restoration of these parameters, treatment with high dose of garlic elicited a pro-oxidant effect, relative to their respective low dose. Our study suggests that onion and garlic extracts may exert their protective effects via reduction in LPO and enhanced antioxidant defense. These extracts may, therefore, be useful nutritional option in alleviating Cd-induced renal damage.     

Carbon and nitrogen status of litterfall, litter decomposition and soil in even-aged larch, red pine and rigitaeda pine plantations

The carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) status in forest ecosystems can change upon establishment of plantations because different tree species have different nutrient cycling mechanisms. This study was carried out to evaluate C and N status of litterfall, litter decomposition and soil in three adjacent plantations consisting of one deciduous (larch: Larix leptolepis) and two evergreen (red pine: Pinus densiflora; rigitaeda pine: P. rigida × P. taeda) species planted in the same year (1963). Both the pine plantations showed comparatively higher C input from needle litter but significantly lower N concentration and input than the larch plantation (P < 0.05). During the decomposition process, the deciduous larch needle litter showed low C concentration and C remaining in soil, but high N concentration and N remaining in soil compared to the two evergreen pine needle litters. However, the soil C and N concentration and their content at a soil depth of 0–10 cm were not affected significantly (P > 0.05) by the plantation type. These results demonstrate the existence of considerable variation in C and N status resulting from needle litter input and litter decomposition in these three plantations grown at sites with similar environmental conditions.     

Exploratory Studies on the in Vitro Anti‐inflammatory Potential of Two Herbal Teas (Annona muricata L. and Jasminum grandiflorum L.), and Relation with Their Phenolic Composition

The need of new anti‐inflammatory drugs has led to the search for safer and more potent molecules in distinct sources, such as natural products. This work aimed to explore the anti‐inflammatory potential of aqueous extracts from two herbal teas (Annona muricata L. and Jasminum grandiflorum L.) in RAW 264.7 macrophages cells and in cell‐free assays. Furthermore, the phenolic composition of both extracts and of their hydrolysates was characterized by HPLC‐DAD, in order to establish possible relationships with the biological activity. In a general way, A. muricata displayed a stronger capacity to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production and the activity of phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂), displaying an IC₅₀ value of 142 μg/ml against this enzyme. A deeper look at phenolic compounds revealed that aglycones had more capacity to inhibit NO and PLA₂ than their corresponding glycosides, quercetin being clearly the most potent one (IC₅₀ = 7.47 and 1.36 μm , respectively). In addition, 5‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid, at 1.56 μm , could also inhibit PLA₂ (ca. 35%). Our findings suggest that the consumption of both herbal teas may be a preventive approach to inflammatory disorders.     

Allelopathic effect of aqueous extracts of three weed species on the growth and leaf chlorophyll content of bread wheat

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the allelopathic effect of weeds (Avena fatua, Melilotus officinalis and Polypogon hissaricus) on germination, growth, dry biomass and chlorophyll concentration of three cultivars of wheat (Ata Habib, Pirsabaq and Serin). In germination test, different concentrations of aqueous extracts (5, 10 and 15?g/l) of the three weeds significantly reduced percent germination; however, 15?g/l extract of M. officinalis resulted in complete failure of germination of cultivar Pirsabaq. In pot culture, root and shoot length, chlorophyll concentration and seedling dry biomass of the three wheat varieties showed differential responses to different weeds. Aqueous extract at 15?g/l of A. fatua increased root and shoot length and dry biomass of cultivar Pirsabaq; however, these parameters were significantly retarded in other two wheat cultivars by extract of weeds. Moisture content of the cultivars did not show any response to allelopathic stress of the weeds. In contrast, chlorophyll concentration in Pirsabaq and Serin was significantly increased by aqueous extract of all the weeds but reduced it in cultivar Ata Habib by 50%. In general, Ata Habib was found to be the most sensitive cultivar to the imposed allelopathic stress. The phytotoxic potential of three weeds was found in the order of A. fatua?>?M. officinalis?>?P. hissaricus.     

A Potent Phytotoxic Substance in Aglaia odorata Lour.

Aglaia odorata Lour . (Meliaceae) was found to have very strong allelopathic activity and a bioherbicide PORGANIC^? was developed from its leaf extracts. However, the phytotoxic substances causing the strong allelopathic activity of the plants have not yet been determined. Therefore, we investigated allelopathic properties and phytotoxic substances in A. odorata. Aqueous EtOH extracts of A. odorata leaves inhibited root and shoot growth of garden cress (Lepidum sativum), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), timothy (Phleum pratense), ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), and Echinochloa crus‐galli with the extract concentration‐dependent manner. The extracts were then purified and a major phytotoxic substance with allelopathic activity was isolated and identified by spectral data as rocaglaol. Rocaglaol inhibited the growth of garden cress and E. crus‐galli at concentrations > 0.3 and 0.03 μm , respectively. The concentrations required for 50% inhibition ranged from 0.09 to 2.5 μm . The inhibitory activity of rocaglaol on the weed species, E. crus‐galli, was much greater than that of abscisic acid. These results suggest that rocaglaol may be a major contributor to the allelopathic effect of A. odorata and bioherbicide PORGANIC^?.     

巨桉不同状态叶片浸提液对萝卜幼苗形态和抗性生理特性的影响

以珍珠岩作为基质,选择4年生巨桉(Eucalyptus grandis)嫩叶(T1)、老叶(T2)、表层凋落叶(T3)、腐解凋落叶(T4)4种状态的叶片,每种状态叶片设置3个浸提液浓度水平[分别称取风干叶片30g、15g和7.5g加入900mL蒸馏水进行浸提,以蒸馏水为对照(CK)],采用水培法研究了不同状态叶片浸提液对萝卜(Raphanus sativus)幼苗形态生长和抗性生理特性的影响。结果显示:(1)巨桉不同状态叶片浸提液显著抑制了萝卜幼苗的根长,其中嫩叶的抑制作用最强,腐解凋落叶抑制作用最弱。(2)各状态叶片浸提液处理后萝卜幼苗中过氧化氢酶(CAT)和过氧化物酶(POD)的活性均呈现升高趋势,嫩叶各浓度处理以及其他状态叶片的高浓度处理下超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性升高,而其余浓度处理的SOD活性降低。(3)各状态叶片浸提液处理萝卜幼苗的丙二醛(MDA)含量在低浓度处理时低于CK,其余处理下则高于CK。(4)嫩叶各浓度处理萝卜幼苗的可溶性糖(SS)含量显著高于CK,且随着老叶和表层凋落叶浸提液浓度的升高,幼苗SS含量先升后降,腐解凋落叶各浓度处理下则呈渐增的趋势;而可溶性蛋白(SP)含量则随浸提液浓度的增加而升高,且T2和T3两种状态叶片的各浓度处理与CK差异显著。研究表明,巨桉不同状态叶片浸提液对萝卜幼苗生长和抗性生理产生了强烈的抑制作用,其中以嫩叶最强,老叶和表层凋落叶次之,腐解凋落叶最弱。     

东祁连山灌丛凋落叶水浸提液对垂穗披碱草种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响

为了解灌丛凋落叶在灌草群落结构维持中可能存在的潜在化感作用，以东祁连山3种优势灌木和灌下优势草种垂穗披碱草(Elymus nutans)为供试材料，分析了不同浓度(0.01 g/L、0.025 g/L、0.05 g/L、0.075 g/L、0.1 g/L)的金露梅(Potentilla fruticosa)、川滇柳(Salix rehderiana)、头花杜鹃(Rhododendron capitatum)及灌间草本的凋落叶水浸提液，对垂穗披碱草种子萌发、幼苗形态和生理指标的影响。结果表明：(1)垂穗披碱草种子发芽率与发芽势在金露梅与川滇柳凋落叶浸提液处理下呈“低促高抑”的浓度效应，在灌间草本凋落叶浸提液处理时表现为先升后降，而头花杜鹃凋落叶浸提液处理时均下降，并在浓度超过0.075 g/L时种子不发芽。(2)灌丛凋落叶浸提液对垂穗披碱草幼苗根长与干重均表现出抑制作用，且随浓度增大而增强；金露梅、川滇柳与灌间草本凋落叶浸提液对垂穗披碱草幼苗苗高表现出“低促高抑”的浓度效应；而头花杜鹃凋落叶浸提液处理对垂穗披碱草幼苗鲜重与苗高均呈抑制作用。(3)垂穗披碱草幼苗CAT、SOD活性随着浸提液...