Potential allelopathic effects of the tropical legume Sesbania virgata on the alien Leucaena leucocephala related to seed carbohydrate metabolism

Author(s)

Broch Mignoni, Daiane Salete ^[1] ; Simes, Kelly ^[1] ; Braga, Marcia Regina ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Inst Bot, Dept Plant Physiol & Biochem, Av Miguel Estefano 3687, BR-04301902 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Biological Invasions; v. 20, n. 1, p. 165-180, JAN 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

Allelopathy has been considered a key mechanism to explain the invasiveness of some species. It is well known that invasive plants can affect native plants by producing novel allelochemicals but some exotic plant species may be also sensitive to allelochemicals released by native species, providing a tool to reduce growth and impacts of invasive exotic species. Here, using growth chamber experiments we tested the mutual potential allelopathic effects of Sesbania virgata (a native dominant species) and the alien Leucaena leucocephala seeds. S. virgata was unaffected by seed leachates of L. leucocephala, indicating that, under lab conditions, this legume presents resistance to the phytotoxic compounds produced by seeds of this alien species. In contrast, germination and seedling growth of L. leucocephala were strongly affected by the phytochemicals produced by seeds of S. virgata. A delay in endospermic mobilization of storage carbohydrates (raffinose-family oligosaccharides and galactomannan) was observed in the alien species. These potential allelopathic effects could not be attributed sole to the presence neither of the phytoxic catechin nor of ABA in seed leachates of S. virgata. Our findings indicate that the in vitro behavior of S. virgata is consistent with its aggressiveness in natural environment and suggest sesbanimide as a potential candidate as implicated in the noxious effects of S. virgata on the alien species. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/16332-0 - Storage and cell wall carbohydrates from plants and filamentous fungi: changes in response to alelochemicals and environmental conditions
• Grantee: Marcia Regina Braga
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/03978-1 - Phytotoxic potential of Sesbania virgata seeds on germination and early growth of seedlings Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.)de Wit
• Grantee: Daiane Salete Broch Mignoni
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master