Screening of allelochemicals on barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) and identification of potentially allelopathic compounds from rice (Oryza sativa) variety hull extracts

Experiments were conducted to screen 23 known allelochemicals, including sinapic acid, and an equimolar mixture of the chemicals for potential allelopathy on barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli var. oryzicola), and to identify allelochemical(s) from hull extracts from three rice (Oryza,sativa L.) cultivars. In a bioassay, the inhibitory effect was increased as the concentration of allelochemicals increased from 10(-5) to 10(-3) M. Ferulic, p-hydroxybenzoic, p-coumaric, and m-coumaric acids were the most active compounds and caused the greatest effect on seed germination, germination rate, and total seedling dry weight reduction. p-hydroxybenzoic acid (10(-3) M; pH 4.1) showed the greatest inhibitory effect on the same parameters. HPLC analysis using three rice cultivars, Janganbyeo, Baekambyeo, and Labelle, showed that the concentration and composition of potentially allelopathic compounds depended upon the cultivar. Hull extracts from the allelopathic cultivar Janganbyeo contained higher levels of p-hydroxybenzoic acid than did those of the non-allelopathic cultivars Labelle and Baekambyeo. Nine compounds, including p-hydroxybenzoic acid (4.29 mg/g) in Janganbyeo, seven compounds including m-coumaric (0.43 mg/g) in Labelle, and five compounds including p-hydroxybenzoic acid (0.36 mg/g) in Baekambyeo, were detected. Preliminary identification by HPLC analysis resulted in peaks with retention times near those of standards, including p-hydroxybenzoic acid that was confirmed with EI/MS. It is suggested that these compounds may be, at least, a key factor in rice allelopathy on barnyardgrass, and the information presented may contribute to the development of naturally occurring herbicides. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.