title: Inhibition of radish germination and root growth by coumarin and phenylpropanoids.
abstract: Thirteen natural and synthetic phenylpropanoids as well as coumarin (2×10(4)M) were tested for their biological activity on radish germination and subsequent root growth in light and darkness. Coumarin was the most potent inhibitor. With some exceptions, phenylpropanoids with a carboxylic group in the side chain inhibited root growth. Coumarin was formed spontaneously by photooxidation of 2-hydroxycinnamic acid. Microscopic observations of root treated with coumarin suggest that this substance inhibits the elongation of cells of the differentiating zone of the root.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Biologia Vegetale, Università Federico 1I, via Foria 223, I-80139, Napoli, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Aliotta
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cafiero
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fiorentino
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Strumia