Allelopathic and auto-toxic effects of aqueous extracts of Codonopsis pilosula root secretions

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0315657
• Publication Date: 2025-01-31T18:36:18Z
• Authors: Daiyu Qiu; Xue Wang; Fengbin Xu; Qian Li; Fengying Ren; Kan Jiang
• Keywords: Allelopathy; Codonopsis

Water-soluble constituents in the root exudates of C. pilosula exhibit both allelopathic and auto-toxic properties, which substantially impede its growth. To mitigate constraints associated with continuous cropping pilosula, this study examined impact aqueous extracts from at various developmental stages on seed germination seedling Additionally, we isolated characterized significant allelochemicals. Our findings revealed that inhibitory effects germination, growth, activity antioxidant enzymes-collectively referred to as a comprehensive effect-intensified progressively increasing concentrations exudates. The most pronounced effect was observed concentration 50 mL during reproductive phase, diminishing SOD POD activities, MDA levels seedlings by 72.3%, 71.7%, 83.3% respectively, compared control (P<0.05). Three primary compounds-acetic acid, hexamethyl cyclotrisiloxane, methoxybenzene oxime were identified extracts. Acetic constituting 44.1% total chemical profile, exhibited growth In conclusion, significantly inhibit especially plant's stage, low molecular weight organic acids being predominant components.