Chemical interaction in the invasiveness of cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv.).
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.
Xuan
Tran Dang
TD
Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Subtropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan. g056003@agr.u-ryukyu.ac.jp
Toyama
Tsuneaki
T
Fukuta
Masakazu
M
Khanh
Tran Dang
TD
Tawata
Shinkichi
S
D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000032:analysis*; D006109:Poaceae / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D027343:Rhizome / Q000737:chemistry / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology
D010936:Plant Extracts