Open AccessMimosine, the Allelochemical from the Leguminous Tree Leucaena leucocephala , Selectively Enhances Cell Proliferation in Dinoflagellates
Author(s) -
Patrick Ka Kit Yeung,
Francis T. W. Wong,
Joseph T.Y. Wong
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
applied and environmental microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.552
H-Index - 324
eISSN - 1070-6291
pISSN - 0099-2240
DOI - 10.1128/aem.68.10.5160-5163.2002
Subject(s) - mimosine , leucaena leucocephala , biology , allelopathy , leucaena , botany , phytoplankton , germination , ecology , nutrient
Mimosine, the allelochemical from the leguminous tree Leucaena leucocephala, is toxic to most terrestrial animals and plants. We report here that while mimosine inhibits major phytoplankton groups, it enhances cell proliferation in dinoflagellates. On addition to coastal seawater samples, mimosine is able to confer a growth advantage to dinoflagellates. The use of mimosine will promote the isolation and culture of this group of phytoplankton.