Abstract
Thirteen natural and synthetic phenylpropanoids as well as coumarin (2×104M) were tested for their biological activity on radish germination and subsequent root growth in light and darkness. Coumarin was the most potent inhibitor. With some exceptions, phenylpropanoids with a carboxylic group in the side chain inhibited root growth. Coumarin was formed spontaneously by photooxidation of 2-hydroxycinnamic acid. Microscopic observations of root treated with coumarin suggest that this substance inhibits the elongation of cells of the differentiating zone of the root.
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Aliotta, G., Cafiero, G., Fiorentino, A. et al. Inhibition of radish germination and root growth by coumarin and phenylpropanoids. J Chem Ecol 19, 175–183 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00993687
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00993687