ALLELOPATHIC PROPERTIES OF CATTAILS, TYPHA DOMINGENSIS, IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA

One species of cattails, Typha domingensis, was screened for allelopathic chemicals. Cattail plants differing in stages of maturation, were collected from two locations. Portions of the plants (stem base, roots and the surrounding detritus) were separated, and then either extracted with deionized wa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Florida scientist 1996-07, Vol.59 (3), p.155-162
Main Authors: Prindle, Vicki, Martin, Dean F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bioassay
Cotyledons
Freshwater
Germination
Lyngbya
Organic foods
Phenols
Plant growth
Plant roots
Plants
Room temperature
Typha domingensis
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Summary:One species of cattails, Typha domingensis, was screened for allelopathic chemicals. Cattail plants differing in stages of maturation, were collected from two locations. Portions of the plants (stem base, roots and the surrounding detritus) were separated, and then either extracted with deionized water at room temperature or extracted in an autoclave for 25 min. at 120°C and 15 psi. The organic content was the same for both methods (617±6 vs 619±4 ppm, for room temperature and autoclaved, respectively). Aqueous phenol was used as a standard. Bioassays were performed using three varieties of lettuce seeds (Black Seeded Simpson, Salad Bowl, and Bibb), as well as on Red Devil B radish seeds. Behavior was similar for all varieties of lettuce (abnormal growth) and delay in germination for radish seeds in the presence of extracts. Seedling growth using the autoclaved extracts or room temperature extracts resulted in abnormal development. EC50 for inhibition of growth of lettuce seeds was 90 ppm(as organic carbon, Corg) versus about 10 ppm phenol (or 7.7 ppm Corg). Partial purification using a C8 column, provided fractions of the cattail extract containing inhibitory agents. These fractions were used to imbibe test lettuce seeds to help provide additional allelopathic characterization. Lyngbya majuscula was also studied and inhibition of oxygen production (Warburg apparatus) occurred after adding extracts. Total carbon and inorganic carbon analyses were performed on the extracts.
ISSN:0098-4590