Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the allelopathic potential of Erythroxylum rosuliferum O.E. Schulz; Erythroxylum stipulosum; Erythroxylum cuneifolium (Mart) O.E. Schulz; Erythroxylum vacciniifolium Mart. and Erythroxylum barbatum O.E. Schulz. Bioassays were performed to examine the seed germination and initial growth of seedlings of Lycopersicum esculentum Mill (tomato) and Allium cepa L. (onion) in Petri dishes following exposure to an ethanolic extract of fresh leaves from the test species at various concentrations. The growth of the tomato and onion seedlings was inhibited with the extracts of the species tested, and significant alterations in the development of the shoots and primary roots were observed. These results suggest that the five species that were evaluated have allelopathic properties.
Highlights
For thousands of years, researchers have been interested in the effects that particular organisms exert on other organisms
The crude ethanolic extract (CEE) of E. stipulosum leaves at concentrations of 6.25, 12.5 and 100% did not affect the germination of L. esculentum seeds in tests with the initial and adjusted pH
At concentrations of 25 and 50%, a significant inhibition of germination was observed compared with the control in tests with adjusted pH values
Summary
Researchers have been interested in the effects that particular organisms exert on other organisms. Plants are the principal focus of current research, as particular relationships are more evident among these organisms. According to Lovett and Ryuntyu, (1992), allelopathy is a biochemical interaction considered to be a defensive chemical adaptation in plants and an environmental stress factor for many species. Allelochemicals are released into the environment, which stimulate or inhibit the germination of seeds and/or development of other surrounding plants (RODRIGUES; LOPES, 2001). In a majority of cases, allelopathy refers to the negative and/or harmful effects on isolated species, populations or even surrounding communities. It is known that the action of these compounds can be positive and favorable to the recipient, acting in the ecological process for the regeneration or succession of plant species (BRASS, 2009)
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.
