Exudate Flavonoids of Primula veris Leaves and Their Inhibitory Activity on Lolium perrene Seed Germination

Abstract

In the present study exudate flavonoids from P. veris leaves were identified and their potential as inhibitors on L. perrene seed germination was evaluated. Leaves of P. veris were collected from natural population. Leaf exudate was obtained by dipping whole leaves into acetone for 2--3 min. Chemical composition of the exudate was analysed by GC/MS. The seed germination test was done in Petri dishes. Flavonoid aglycones were found as main components of the exudate (over 50% of all compounds). Unsubstituted flavone, 2'-methoxyflavone, 3'-methoxyflavone, 3',4'-dimethoxyflavone, 2',5'-dimethoxyflavone, 5,6,2',6'- tetramethoxyflavone were identified. Complete inhibition on Lolium perenne seed germination and root elongation by aqueous solution of the exudate at concentration 7 mg/mL was found. This is the first report about inhibitory activity of P. veris leaf exudate on seed germination.