Allelopathic potential of Spondias purpurea L. (Anacardiaceae) leaf extract on Lactuca sativa seed germination

Abstract

Spondias is known in Brazil mainly for fruit species which have been studied on different biopotentials and applications of their phytoconstituents. This study aimed to investigate the allelopathic potential of the aqueous extract of Spondias purpurea using the experimental model of Lactuca sativa (lettuce). For chemical characterization, prospecting was performed using classical pharmacognosy techniques. For the bioassay, an aqueous extract at 0.1 g/mL was prepared. A total of 20 L. sativa seeds were exposed to a dilution of 1000 to 10 μg/mL. The seeds were observed for five days and the germinated individuals were counted daily. The presence of phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and tannins. The aqueous extract of the leaves of S. purpurea was efficient in preventing the germination of L. sativa seeds, as well as reducing root and hypocotyl growth by approximately 90%. These results suggest that the aqueous extract of S. purpurea has promising allelopathic potential.