Maristela Imatomi

Interspecific variation in the allelopathic potential of the family Myrtaceae

Allelopathy is a type of biotic interference wherein a plant releases bioactive metabolites into an environment, thereby affecting the adjacent biota. Stressful environments stimulate the production of these metabolites. The present study tests the novel weapons hypothesis, which postulates that species belonging to the same genus and from the same environment have similar allelopathic effects. The aim of this study was to assess the allelopathic effects that the aqueous leaf extracts of 15 species belonging to five genera of the Myrtaceae family have on the seed germination and initial seedling growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and onion (Allium cepa L.). Germination rates, average germination times, informational entropy of germination and allelopathic effects, as quantified with a response index, were calculated. A taxonomic distance matrix based on Gower dissimilarity and a Euclidean distance matrix were constructed. The results revealed that all extracts from donor species significantly increased average germination time or reduced the germination rate of eudicotyledonous plant species. The only extracts that showed no effect on monocotyledonous seeds were those of Campomanesia pubescens O. Berg and Psidium cinereum Mart. We conclude that eudicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants were both significantly affected by the presence of all extracts tested. Our results make it clear that each species behaves distinctly in relation to allelopathic activity, with no apparent grouping by genus or subtribe. Therefore, the hypothesis was rejected, because plants from the same environment and with taxonomic proximity do not necessarily display similar production of secondary metabolites.

Characterization and germinative behavior of Casearia Sylvestris Swartz seeds (SALICACEAE)

Casearia sylvestris Swartz (Salicaceae) is a tree species widely distributed throughout Brazilian vegetation and it is used for medicinal purposes by the human population who exploit natural environment. The purpose of the present study was to provide information about the reproductive phenofases, the morphology and germination of C.sylvestris seeds, and verify the existence of variability in the germination behavior according the source of the seed sample. Seeds from two different sources, Itirapina-SP and Ibipora-PR, with 14,5% and 22,86% water content, respectively, were germinated in the absence of light at constant temperatures of 27o, 30o and 33 oC and a 12h photoperiod in alternating temperatures from 20-30 oC, in BOD chambers. The effect of growth regulators was verified by solutions of gibberellin (GA3)(10 or 20 mgL-1) or kinetin (5 or 10 mgL-1) or water, under 27 oC temperature. The tetrazolium test demonstrated that 32% of the seeds from the SP sample and 66% of the PR sample were viable. The lots from both sources presented standard three-phase water imbibition, but differed in the emission time of the primary root. The optimal temperature for germination was between 27o and 30 oC for both lots. The use of growth regulators was not effective in improving the seed performance. The seedlings from the SP source were more vigorous (larger mass), but they were smaller in relation to the set from the PR source. After storage, the sample from the SP source presented a decrease in their viability and vigor and the ones from the PR source presented decrease only in vigor.

Allelopathic potential of Rapanea umbellata leaf extracts.

The stressful conditions associated with the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) environment were supposed to favor higher levels of allelochemicals in Rapanea umbellata from this ecosystem. The allelopathic potential of R. umbellata leaf extracts was studied using the etiolated wheat coleoptile and standard phytotoxicity bioassays. The most active extract was selected to perform a bioassay‐guided isolation, which allowed identifying lutein (1) and (−)‐catechin (2) as potential allelochemicals. Finally, the general bioactivity of the two compounds was studied, which indicated that the presence of 1 might be part of the defense mechanisms of this plant.

Phytotoxic potential of young leaves from Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Kunth) O. Berg (Myrtaceae)

The loss of leaves by plant species found in the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) is an energetically expensive process due to adverse environmental conditions and predation by herbivory. The mature leaves have adaptations which minimize these events. However, the young individuals lack these structures and produce high leaf concentrations of secondary metabolites as a form of protection. These compounds can be used in bioprospection of natural herbicides. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the phytotoxicity of hexane, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of young leaves from Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Kunth) O. Berg on the elongation of wheat coleoptiles (Triticum aestivum L.) and evaluate the potential phytotoxic of ethyl acetate extract on germination, growth and cell size of metaxylem of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seedlings. The hexane and ethyl acetate extracts inhibited the elongation of wheat coleoptiles at all concentrations; however, the most promising results were observed in coleoptile fragments treated with the ethyl acetate extract. This treatment changed the mean germination time and the synchrony of sesame seeds, inhibited the growth of shoots and roots, reduced the dry weight of seedlings, led to abnormalities in the seedlings and reduced the length of the metaxylem cells in the sesame seedlings. These results demonstrated the phytotoxic potential of young leaf extracts of B. salicifolius and the high phytotoxicity of the ethyl acetate extract in the initial development of S. indicum.

Antioxidant activity and phenol content of extracts of bark, stems, and young and mature leaves from Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Kunth) O. Berg

Phenolic compounds are a group of plant secondary metabolites known to have a variety of bioactivities, including the ability to function as antioxidants. Because of the side effects of the use of synthetic substances, the search for natural and less toxic compounds has increased significantly. This study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and phenol content of hexane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous extracts of the bark (suber) and stems as well as the young and mature leaves of Blepharocalyx salicifolius. The extracts were obtained by extraction with organic solvents and subsequent fractionation by chromatographic partition coefficient. Preliminary tests for the presence of antioxidants were performed using bioautography in thin-layer chromatography. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, and the phenol content of the extracts was quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu technique. The results showed that 9 of the 12 extracts evaluated displayed very strong antioxidant activity and three displayed moderate activity. Aqueous extracts of the young leaves and bark and the ethyl acetate extract of the young leaves showed the highest levels of antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC). A correlation was observed between TPC and antioxidant activity index (AAI) with a correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.7999. Thus, the high phenol content of B. salicifolius extracts and its correlation with antioxidant activity provide substrates for further studies.

Efficacy of botanical extracts from Brazilian savannah against Diabrotica speciosa and associated bacteria

Botanical extracts are a plentiful resource of molecules with different biological activities, such as insecticides and antimicrobial pesticides. In this context, the aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of botanical extracts from the Brazilian savannah against Diabrotica speciosa and bacterial strains isolated from the gut of this insect under aseptic conditions. The bacterial isolates were identified by genomic and proteomic approaches, and bioassayed against eighteen botanical extracts in vitro. The best results of bacterial inhibitions were obtained for the extracts of Casearia sylvestris and Psidium laruotteanum. Fractions of C. sylvestris and P. laruotteanum, quantitatively evaluated by chromatographic analyses, showed a relationship between the bactericidal activity and phytochemical profile. In vivo assays showed that P. laruotteanum was also effective for the control of D. speciosa. Those results show that selected natural products can have both antimicrobial and insecticidal activities.

The role of root buds in the regeneration of Casearia sylvestris Swartz (Salicaceae) in the cerrado, São Carlos, São Paulo state, Brazil

The present work describes the fire effects on the population structure of Casearia sylvestris Swartz (Salicaceae). Diameter and height structure as well as spatial distribution patterns of the root sprouts were analyzed pre- and post-fire. The morphology and anatomy of the underground system were also analyzed in order to investigate the nature and origin of sprouts from this system. In this study, a 10-ha of Cerrado area was sampled from February to November 2006; in August, a fire burned roughly 80% of the study area, allowing us to compare the data collected pre- and post-fire. Our findings show that the underground systems consisted of specialized roots and buds originated close to the vascular cambium. The spatial distribution of the root sprouts became clustered pre- and post-fire and most of the root sprouts were concentrated in the first size class, indicating that the sprouts from roots play an important role in the recovery of this species in burnt areas.

Antifungal and antioxidant activities of mature leaves of Myrcia splendens (Sw.) DC.

In recent years, natural products with antifungal and antioxidant activities are being increasingly researched for a more sustainable alternative to the chemicals currently used for the same purpose. The plant pathogenic fungus Alternaria alternata is a causative agent of diseases in citrus, leading to huge economic losses. Antioxidants are important for the production of medicines for various diseases that may be related to the presence of free radicals, such as cancer, and in the cosmetic industry as an anti-aging agent and the food industry as preservatives. This study evaluated the antifungal and antioxidant potential of extracts of mature leaves of Myrcia splendens, a tree species that occurs in the Brazilian Cerrado. The antioxidant potential was analyzed by an assay of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging method, and the antifungal activity was assessed through the evaluation of mycelial growth. Majority of the extracts exhibited a strong antioxidant activity, especially the acetonic extract (4A). The antioxidant activity may be related to the presence of phenolic compounds. However, the extracts showed no inhibitory activity of mycelial growth of the fungus tested, with the exception of dichloromethanic extract (2B), which had an inhibitory effect (10.2%) at the end of testing.

In vitro herbicide activity of crude and fractionated leaf extracts of Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Myrtaceae)

The excessive use of synthetic herbicides is harmful to natural and managed ecosystems. In order to solve this issue, the search for natural compounds with lower toxicity to the environment has been intensified. This study aimed (a) to evaluate the phytotoxic activity of leaf extracts of Blepharocalyx salicifolius by taking into account the elongation of wheat coleoptile as well as of the crude ethyl acetate extract on the germination and growth of two weeds; (b) to fractionate the ethyl acetate extract; and (c) to test the phytotoxicity of fractions on etiolated wheat coleoptile. Hexane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous crude extracts were obtained through extraction with organic solvents. We used the column chromatography to fractionate the ethyl acetate extract, which resulted in 11 ethylic acetate fractions (Fr1–Fr11). The bioassays of wheat coleoptile elongation, germination, and seedling growth of guinea grass as well as the morning glory showed that the ethyl acetate extract possessed pronounced phytotoxic potential to inhibit the elongation of wheat coleoptile at all tested concentrations. In addition to this, the extract changed the mean germination time of guinea grass seeds and inhibited the growth of shoots and roots of both weeds, the fact that caused anomalies, such as necrosis and severe atrophy. Furthermore, we identified that Fr5 and Fr6 are the most promising ethyl acetate fractions. Thus, this study presents that the ethyl acetate extract of mature leaves of B. salicifolius has potential to produce natural herbicides and that the main phytotoxins are present in the Fr5 and Fr6 fractions, thereby offering scope for further studies.