Allelopathic effects of aconitic acid on wild poinsettia (Euphorbia heterophylla) and morningglory (Ipomoea grandifolia)

• Published in: Journal of environmental science and health. Part B, Pesticides, food contaminants, and agricultural wastes Vol. 40; no. 1; pp. 69 - 75
• Main Authors: Voll, E, Voll, C.E, Victoria Filho, R
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia, PA Taylor & Francis Group 2005; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: aconitic acid; Aconitic Acid - pharmacology; allelochemicals; Allelopathy; Biological and medical sciences; Brachiaria; Brachiaria plantaginea; Chemical control; endophytes; Endophytic fungi; Euphorbia - growth & development; Euphorbia heterophylla; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Fungi - growth & development; Germination; in vitro studies; Ipomoea; Ipomoea - growth & development; Ipomoea grandifolia; Parasitic plants. Weeds; Pest Control; Phytopathology. Animal pests. Plant and forest protection; Plant Leaves - growth & development; Plant Roots - growth & development; Plant Roots - microbiology; Population Dynamics; root growth; seed germination; seed-borne fungi; seedling growth; Seeds; stems; Weeds; Monocotyledones; Seeds; Growth; Germination; Pesticides; Allelopathy; Convolvulaceae; Organic acids; Allelochemicals; Biological activity; Herbicide; Gramineae; Dicotyledones; Angiospermae; Euphorbiaceae; Endophyte; Spermatophyta; Endophytic fungi
• ISSN: 0360-1234; 1532-4109
• DOI: 10.1081/PFC-200034226

High infestations of alexandergrass (Brachiaria plantaginea) in experimental area have reduced seedbank of some weed species in soil at a greater degree compared to those obtained with the use of an efficient herbicide. Aconitic acid (AA) has been identified in those plants in high concentration. Thus, two experiments were carried out in the laboratory to determine the effects of pure AA on weed seed germination and on endophytic fungi in wild poinsettia (Euphorbia heterophylla) and morningglory (Ipomoea grandifolia) weed species. Doses of AA (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mM) were introduced in agar-water 0.5% medium and weed seeds treated with and without external sterilization by sodium hypochloride. Four replications of fifty seeds of each species by treatment were sown in plastic boxes with cover and maintained in germination chamber for 12 days. Reduction in germination rate, root and stem growth were observed in both species, as well as reduction in root number in morningglory were also observed at 2.0 mM concentration of AA. An increase in number of seeds with presence of endophytic fungi was also observed in both species, independently of seed sterilization, mainly of a green type fungi coloration in wild poinsettia. Aconitic acid presents allelopathic activity and can stimulate endophytic fungi species growth in weed seeds.