Plant growth inhibitors (Proanthocyanidins) from Prunus armeniaca

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-1978(97)00080-XGet rights and content

Abstract

A field survey in Prunus armeniaca growing areas of Garhwal Himalaya was conducted with reference to the germination and growth of some companion crops at various sites of different soil fertility. Retardation in germination, growth and yield were noted in nearby Triticum aestivum plants, particularly on those sites where the percentage of soil organic matter was low. It was also observed that the magnitude of interference gradually decreased as the distance from the tree increased. Aqueous and organic solvent extracts of the aerial parts of Prunus armeniaca were made and their residues were tested, after proper dilution, for their phytotoxic effect on germination and growth of the test crop. Residues of light petroleum and ethyl acetate extracts showed maximum inhibition in growth and germination of the test species. The isolated compounds were identified with the help of spectroscopic techniques and bioassays. β-Sito-sterol, 2,6-dihydroxy-4-methoxyacetophenone and kaempferol were isolated from a petroleum extract whereas aromadendrin, quercetin, β-sitosterol-β-d-glucoside, pleoside and tannins (four proanthocyanidins – A-type) were characterized from an ethyl acetate extract. Of these, proanthocyanidins showed maximum inhibition, whereas quercetin, aromadendrin, kaempferol and genin of pleoside inhibited to a lesser extent.

Introduction

Prunus armeniaca is an important social- and agro-forestry tree, generally grown in gardens, crop fields and is also traditionally planted in the boundary of agricultural fields. The impact of Prunus sp. on surrounding plant species has been noted by several workers (Jensen, 1907; Schreiner and Reed, 1907; Manareshi, 1953; Vogel and Weber, 1931; Horsely, 1979). The possibility of biochemical interactions between intercrop and crop plants has been suggested in many instances by several workers based on their practical experience or experimental results (Horsely, 1991; Larcher, 1995; Rice, 1984). Manareshi (1953) observed the depressed growth of Prunus cerasus when planted in Prunus armeniaca fields. So, the present investigation was carried out to determine the impact of Prunus armeniaca on surrounding crop species and to isolate the responsible allelopathic compounds.

Section snippets

Materials and methods

Field studies were conducted in the areas where Prunus armeniaca trees were found growing in the vicinity of crops, namely wheat, barley, lantil and fingermillet. The fertility ingredients of the soil of different sites, namely percentage of organic matter, available phosphorus and potassium, were determined by the rapid Purdue test (Jackson, 1973). The Triticum aestivum (wheat) crop was found to be more affected by Prunus armeniaca in different sites. Therefore, further observations regarding

Results and discussion

Light petroleum and ethyl acetate extracts showed more inhibition than other extracts, with respect to parameters observed in the bioassays (Fig. 2), namely inhibition in germination, root length and shoot length indicated the presence of active/toxic compounds in higher concentrations.

Therefore, light petroleum and ethyl acetate extracts were subjected to repeated column chromatography on silica gel to afford compounds A to G and I-1 to I-4.

Compounds AE were shown to be β-sitosterol (Austin

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Professor A. N. Purohit, FNA, Director, HAPPRC, H.N.B. Garhwal University for many valuable suggestions and G.B. Pant, Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora for financial support.

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