Allelopathic Capabilities of Arctotheca Prostrata
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
9-4-2012 10:00 AM
End Date
9-4-2012 11:30 AM
Student's Major
Biological Sciences
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Beth Proctor
Mentor's Department
Biological Sciences
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
Capeweed (Arctotheca prostrata) is an invasive species in California. It was first introduced into the United States from South Africa for use by landscapers. Greenhouse plants from a Capeweed population collected south of Point Arena, California (130 miles North of San Francisco) were grown and used for this experiment. The purpose of this research was to determine if water extracts of leaves, runners, and roots of this population reduced the germination and or growth of lettuce seeds (Latuca sativa). The roots, leaves, and runners were crushed (ball grinder), different wet weights (.5 – 4 grams) were extracted with water, centrifuged, and then added to petri dishes with 10 lettuce seeds each (N=3). These were incubated at 26oC (10 hrs/14 hrs dark) for 72 hours. When compared with controls, there was no significant difference in the number of seeds that germinated at the end of 72 hours. However, there were appreciable differences in growth of the lettuce as measured by root length. Water soluble chemicals leaching form the plant or from the decomposition of these plants may release chemicals that provide a competitive edge for this plant . More research is needed.
Allelopathic Capabilities of Arctotheca Prostrata
CSU Ballroom
Capeweed (Arctotheca prostrata) is an invasive species in California. It was first introduced into the United States from South Africa for use by landscapers. Greenhouse plants from a Capeweed population collected south of Point Arena, California (130 miles North of San Francisco) were grown and used for this experiment. The purpose of this research was to determine if water extracts of leaves, runners, and roots of this population reduced the germination and or growth of lettuce seeds (Latuca sativa). The roots, leaves, and runners were crushed (ball grinder), different wet weights (.5 – 4 grams) were extracted with water, centrifuged, and then added to petri dishes with 10 lettuce seeds each (N=3). These were incubated at 26oC (10 hrs/14 hrs dark) for 72 hours. When compared with controls, there was no significant difference in the number of seeds that germinated at the end of 72 hours. However, there were appreciable differences in growth of the lettuce as measured by root length. Water soluble chemicals leaching form the plant or from the decomposition of these plants may release chemicals that provide a competitive edge for this plant . More research is needed.
Recommended Citation
Bechel, Ryan. "Allelopathic Capabilities of Arctotheca Prostrata." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 9, 2012.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2012/poster-session-A/41
