Screening of germination inhibitors from plant extracts

MARIA LUCIA TRAVAINI; CECCARELLI, E. A.; CARRILLO, N; SOSA, G.

Potrero de los Funes, San Luis

Congreso; XLVII Reunión Anual Sociedad Argentina de Investigación en Bioquímica y Biología Molecular; 2011

Sociedad Argentina de Investigación en Bioquímica y Biología Molecular

Several plant species release germination and/or growth inhibitorsas a strategy to colonize and invade grounds occupied by otherplants. As a result, these plants populate successfully the bareground or displace other native plant communities. It is known thatthe production of these substances increases if plants grow in aharsh environment under stressful conditions. We have collectedplant species that exhibited an invasive behavior in regions ofArgentina with hostile geography and harsh environments. We havealso harvested those plants popularly known for their medicinaluse. Using parts and soil of these plants, aqueous extracts wereobtained (8g material/70mL water). These extracts were tested fortheir inhibition activity in germination assays of lettuce. Extractsthat produced inhibition were then tested on the germination ofseeds of agronomic interest. 804 extracts were prepared and 184 ofthem inhibited lettuce germination at 100%: 97 were derived fromChaco and Santiago del Estero plants, 32 from Cordoba and SanLuis and 53 from medicinal species. Regarding the distribution ofextracts with inhibition activity, most of them were obtained fromleaves (52%), followed by stems (14%) and flowers (12%). Amongthe extracts used in the germination of agriculturally importantspecies, 24 were noted for their selectivity or aggressiveness ingeneral.