Allelopathic potential of aqueous extract of Mimosa pudica L. on the initial growth of Lactuca sativa L.

Abstract

Introduction: Allelopathy is a form of chemical adaptation of plants, and when released into the environment can directly or indirectly influence the growth and development of plants that are around them. Objective: Assess in vitro the allelopathic potential of the aqueous extract form dried leaves of Mimosa pudica on germination and early growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Methodology: M. pudica extract, obtained by static maceration, was diluted in distilled water, using five concentrations (2. 4. 6. 8 and 10g.L^-1). For bioassay of germination, we used Petri dishes lined with filter paper, moistened with four 4 ml mL of extract and 25 seeds per replicate were used. The seeds were kept in an incubator, B.O.D. type, 24 °C and photoperiod of 12 hours. The parameters evaluated were IVG, %G, dry matter, length of radicle and hypocotyl (mm), and the contents of chlorophyll a, b and total. Results: In the analysis of the IVG,% G, root length, chlorophyll a, b and total content showed a reduction of germination and lettuce growth from the increase of extract concentrations. In the hypocotyl growth in the lower doses showed the hormesis effect and in the test of the dried mass did not demonstrate significant difference between the concentrations. Conclusion: The aqueous extracts of M. pudica have an allelopathic effect on the early development of lettuce.

Keywords: Sensitive; Bioassays; Allelochemicals..