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Characterization of Inhibitory Substances of Tall Fescue on Birdsfoot Trefoil
Author(s) -
Luu K. T.,
Matches A. G.,
Nelson C. J.,
Peters E. J.,
Garner G. B.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1989.0011183x002900020034x
Subject(s) - lotus corniculatus , hypocotyl , festuca arundinacea , biology , seedling , trefoil , germination , shikimic acid , biochemistry , botany , agronomy , poaceae
Tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is known to inhibit the growth of birdsfoot trefoil ( Lotus corniculatus L.) seedlings, but the inhibitors have not been identified. Our objectives were to characterize and identify these inhibitory substances. Water extracts of tall fescue herbage were fractionated into anion, cation, and neutral fractions. Paper and gas‐liquid chromatography were used to identify possible inhibitory substances. Birdsfoot trefoil germination and seedling development were inhibited mainly by the anion fraction. At pH 7.0, the anion fraction suppressed root growth by two‐thirds and hypocotyl growth by one‐halL Dilution of the total extract or its anion fraction to one‐third of its original concentration eliminated inhibition of germination, but not of hypocotyl and root growth. Root growth was inhibited more by the inhibitory substance(s) than either germination or hypocotyl growth. Concentration of extracts and low pH of the anion fraction were partial contributory factors to inhibition. Lactic, succinic, malic, citric, shikimic, glyceric, fumaric, and quinic acids plus several unknowns were identified as possible inhibitory substances. Lactic and succinic acids appeared as the major inhibitors.