Effect of Solanum lycocarpum fruit extract on sesame seed germination and seedling growth

摘要

Solanum lycocarpum St.Hil. (wolf fruit) is a rare shrub in native vegetation but is common in disturbed areas of the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna). This species bear fruits throughout the year. The effect of S. lycocarpum fruit pulp extract was tested seed germination and seedling growth of on Sesamum indicum L. (sesame) at three temperatures (22 degreesC, 30 degreesC and 38 degreesC). Pre-germinated seeds of sesame were grown for 5 days in 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5% (w/v) fruit extracts. Polyethylene glycol solutions (PEG 6000) were used as controls. Seed germination was reduced by both the extracts and PEG solutions, except at 30 degreesC. The extracts caused necrosis of the root tip and absence of root hairs and formation of secondary roots. None of these alterations were observed in the PEG controls. Allelochemicals present in the S. lycocarpum fruit are promising as natural herbicides, as these are effective over wide range of temperatures.