Terrence Haig

Allelochemicals in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): Production and Exudation of 2,4-Dihydroxy-7-Methoxy-1,4-Benzoxazin-3-One

An analytical technique employing gas chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) was employed to systematically screen fifty-eight wheat accessions for their differential production of 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA) from three consecutive sources, i.e., the shoots, roots, and in the associated agar growth medium (collected as root exudates) of 17-day-old wheat seedlings. DIMBOA content differed significantly in the shoots, roots, or in the agar growth medium between accessions. DIMBOA accumulated differentially within the plant, with roots containing more DIMBOA than the shoots. Only 19% of accessions were able to exude DIMBOA from living roots into their growth medium, indicating the exudation of DIMBOA is accession-specific. DIMBOA level in root tissues is expected to be high when a high level of DIMBOA content is detected in the shoots. Wheat seedlings did not release detectable amounts of DIMBOA when the DIMBOA level was low in the root tissues. The valuable genetic material with high levels of DIMBOA in the shoots or roots identified in the present research could be used to breed for wheat cultivars with elevated allelopathic activity.

Correlation between phytotoxicity on annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) and production dynamics of allelochemicals within root exudates of an allelopathic wheat

An improved allelopathic correlation between phytotoxicity measured in root growth bioassay upon annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaud.) and the concentrations of a selection of dynamically produced allelochemicals quantified in the root exudates of cv. Khapli wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum (Desf.) Husn.) monitored during the first 15 days of wheat seedling growth in a sterile, agar–water medium, has been established. Changes over the 15-day growth period in the quantities of five exuded benzoxazinones and seven phenolic acids were measured simultaneously using GC/MS/MS. Substantiating pure compound dose–response measurements were conducted over a range of concentrations for the putative allelochemicals within the wheat exudates. One synergism-based proposal using the monitored compounds to explain the observed low-exudate-concentration phytotoxicity was explored, but was found to be experimentally inadequate.

On-site field sampling and analysis of fragrance from living lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L.) flowers by solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography and ion-trap mass spectrometry.

Solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry has been applied as a simple alternative method for the analysis of essential oil directly from lavender intact flowering spikes and genuine oils. All recognised major oil constituents were detected by this procedure, with results comparable to those given by a conventional method (organic solvent extraction). Distinctive chromatographic profiles were found for various species.

Phytotoxicity of vulpia residues: III. Biological activity of identified allelochemicals from Vulpia myuros.

Twenty compounds identified in vulpia (Vulpia myuros) residues as allelochemicals were individually and collectively tested for biological activity. Each exhibited characteristic allelochemical behavior toward the test plant, i.e., inhibition at high concentrations and stimulation or no effect at low concentrations, but individual activities varied. Allelopathins present in large quantities, such as syringic, vanillic, and succinic acids, possessed low activity, while those present in small quantities, such as catechol and hydrocinnamic acid, possessed strong inhibitory activity. The concept of a phytotoxic strength index was developed for quantifying the biological properties of each individual allelopathin in a concise, comprehensive, and meaningful format. The individual contribution of each allelopathin, assessed by comparing the phytotoxic strength index to the overall toxicity of vulpia residues, was variable according to structure and was influenced by its relative proportion in the residue. The majority of compounds possessed low or medium biological activity and contributed most of the vulpia phytotoxicity, while compounds with high biological activity were in the minority and only present at low concentration. Artificial mixtures of these pure allelochemicals also produced phytotoxicity. There were additive/synergistic effects evident in the properties of these mixtures. One such mixture, formulated from allelochemicals found in the same proportions as occur in vulpia extract, produced stronger activity than another formulated from the same set of compounds but in equal proportions. These results suggest that the exploration of the relative composition of a cluster of allelopathins may be more important than simply focusing on the identification of one or two compounds with strong biological activity and that synergism is fundamental to the understanding of allelopathy.

Screening methods for the evaluation of crop allelopathic potential

There is increasing interest in the development of allelopathic crop varieties for weed suppression. Allelopathic varieties are likely to be able to suppress weeds by natural exudation of bioactive allelochemicals, thereby reducing dependence upon synthetic herbicides. Screening bioassays are essential tools in identifying crop accessions with allelopathic potential. A number of crops have been screened for this allelopathic trait, and key issues in selecting and designing screening bioassays are reviewed. It is recommended that a combination of different bioassays be used in the evaluation of crop allelopathic potential. Laboratory bioassays, field testing, and chemical screening are important steps, and none of them can be precluded if conclusive evidence of crop allelopathy is to be established. More concerted efforts are needed in screening crop germplasm before the development of allelopathic varieties occurs.

Whole-Range Assessment: A Simple Method for Analysing Allelopathic Dose-Response Data

Based on the typical biological responses of an organism to allelochemicals (hormesis), concepts of whole-range assessment and inhibition index were developed for improved analysis of allelopathic data. Examples of their application are presented using data drawn from the literature. The method is concise and comprehensive, and makes data grouping and multiple comparisons simple, logical, and possible. It improves data interpretation, enhances research outcomes, and is a statistically efficient summary of the plant response profiles.

Application of Hyphenated Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Techniques to Plant Allelopathy Research

Plant allelopathy offers hope as an additional means of weed control in modern agriculture. Its mechanisms and molecular basis are not yet well understood. Research on the chemical basis for allelopathy has often been hindered by the complexity of plant and soil matrices, making it difficult to track active compounds. Recent improvements in the cost and capabilities of bench-top chromatography–mass spectrometry instruments make these tools more powerful and more widely available to assist with molecular studies conducted in todays expanding field. Such instrumental techniques are herein recommended as economically efficient means of advancing the rigor of allelopathy research and assisting the development of a better understanding of the chemical basis for the allelopathy phenomenon.

Applications of GC/MS in Allelopathy Research: a Case Study

Alleopathy arises from the release of chemicals by one plant species which affect other species in its vicinity, usually to their detriment. Such natural compounds are called allelochemicals. As awareness grows of environmental pollution involving the use of synthetic chemicals, and demand increases for sustainability in agriculture and quality food production for humans, attention is being focused on reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and finding ways to replace them. Allelopathy holds great prospect for meeting such demands. Contemporary research in allelopathy focuses on isolating, identifying and quantifying specific active allelochemicals. Once these substances are identified and characterised, they can be used either as natural herbicides or as models for developing new and environmentally-friendly herbicides. Rapid development in analytical technology has made advanced instrumentation (i.e. GC/MS) accessible for general disciplines such as agriculture and allelopathy. This has significantly facilitated tasks of allelochemical identication, rapidly increased understanding of allelopathy, and accelerated its application in agricultural practice. In a case of allelopathic research on silvergrass (Vulpiaspp.), a significant weed in southern Australia, GC/MS has been employed to characterise the natural toxins. Twenty-one allelochemicals were identified and quantified. Subsequently, their biological activies were tested and identified through a bioassay procedure, which revealed strong correlations between individual phytotoxins and levels of measured phytotoxicity.