Abstract
We report the identification of the allelochemical 3-(1-oxo-3-phenylpropyl)-1,1,5-trimethylcyclo-hexane-2,4,6-trione, known as myrigalone A, from the fruits and leaves of Myrica gale. The structure of the compound was confirmed by high-resolution techniques (UV, MS and NMR analysis). The compound is phytotoxic towards classical plant species used for allelochemical assays and also against Fallopia x bohemica, a highly invasive plant. Application of either powdered dry leaves or dry fruits of M. gale also showed in vitro phytotoxic activity. We hypothesize that M. gale could be used as a green allelopathic shield to control Fallopia x bohemica invasion, in addition to its potential use as an environmentally friendly herbicide.
Highlights
Biological invasions are recognized as a result of global change and are of growing interest in the biological sciences [1] because of their potential effects on biodiversity
Germination rates were reduced by M. gale fruit exudate extracts (Table 1)
We show that M. gale fruit extracts exhibit phytotoxic activity against F. x bohemica
Summary
Biological invasions are recognized as a result of global change and are of growing interest in the biological sciences [1] because of their potential effects on biodiversity. Many invasive plant species are known to affect plant and animal communities [2,3], ecosystem functioning [4,5,6], soil properties and nutrient fluxes [7,8] in their new environments. The invasive potential of the Fallopia complex may result from its more direct effects on the environment, through the production of substances toxic to organisms native to the invaded habitat. It is known that chemical compounds possessing antifungal, antiherbivory and antimicrobial properties or with phytotoxic (allelopathic) effects confer some invasive plants benefits in new environment. Myrica gale (Myricaceae) fulfils these conditions, growing only in acidic wet to flooded edaphic conditions [31] This shrub is found in environments such as the wet and flooded area around lakes, along rivers or in peat bogs and has a wide distribution from Northern and Western Europe the American continent.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
