Allelochemical root-growth inhibitors in low-molecular-weight cress-seed exudate.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Cress seeds release allelochemicals that over-stimulate the elongation of hypocotyls of neighbouring (potentially competing) seedlings and inhibit their root growth. The hypocotyl promoter is potassium, but the root inhibitor was unidentified; its nature is investigated here.

Methods

Low-molecular-weight cress-seed exudate (LCSE) from imbibed Lepidium sativum seeds was fractionated by phase partitioning, paper chromatography, high-voltage electrophoresis and gel-permeation chromatography (on Bio-Gel P-2). Fractions, compared with pure potassium salts, were bioassayed for effects on Amaranthus caudatus seedling growth in the dark for 4 days.

Key results

The LCSE robustly promoted amaranth hypocotyl elongation and inhibited root growth. The hypocotyl

SUBMITTER: Khan MI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11006535 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature