title: Chemical interaction in the invasiveness of cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv.).
abstract: From gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), numerous plant growth inhibitors were found in the rhizome and root exudates of cogongrass, one of the most problematic weeds in the world. iso-Eugenol, iso-ferulic acid, linoleic acid, ferulic acid, and vanillin were the major chemicals in the rhizome (88.1-392.2 microg/g of fresh root), while 4-acetyl-2-methoxyphenol was the principle substance (872.6 microg/plant) in the root exudates. In fields, the use of cutting and plowing reduced weed biomass and weed density of cogongrass >70%. However, the alternative invasion of beggar tick might be a problem, because its density and biomass increased 33.3 and 62.5%, respectively. Chemicals from cogongrass showed selective effects against tested invasive species. Of them, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol was the most potent (78.3-100% of inhibition), followed by iso-eugenol and 4-acetyl-2-methoxyphenol. These compounds may play important roles in the invasiveness of cogongrass and might be promising parent constituents of synthesis to develop novel herbicides for control of invasive plants.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Subtropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan. g056003@agr.u-ryukyu.ac.jp
authors.forename: Tran Dang
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Xuan
authors.forename: Tsuneaki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Toyama
authors.forename: Masakazu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fukuta
authors.forename: Tran Dang
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Khanh
authors.forename: Shinkichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tawata
mesh_terms: D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000032:analysis*; D006109:Poaceae / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D027343:Rhizome / Q000737:chemistry / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts