Allelopathic Potential of South American Bothriochloa Species (Poaceae: Andropogoneae)

L. R. SCRIVANTI; A. M. ANTON; J. A. ZYGADLO

ALLELOPATHY JOURNAL

ALLELOPATHY JOURNAL

Año: 2011 vol. 28 p. 189 - 200

0971-4693

In laboratory bioassays the aqueous extracts from different plant parts of sixBothriochloa species (B. barbinodis, B. edwardsiana, B. perforata, B. saccharoides,.var. saccharoides and B. springfieldii) inhibited the seed germination and root andshoot growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), maize (Zea mays L.), wintergreenpaspalum (Paspalum guenoarum Arechav.) and lovegrass [Eragrostis curvula(Schrad.) Nees)] test species. Aqueous extracts were more inhibitory to shoot and rootelongation than to seed germination. Significant inhibition in shoot length at allconcentrations indicated the phytotoxic activity of extracts. The toxicity enhancedwith increasing aqueous extract concentrations. Perhaps these extracts may containallelochemicals, which interferes with seed germination and seedling growth of plants.Consequently, the study of these chemical interactions might be useful to develop newclasses of environmentally safe herbicides.