Influence of Smilax fluminensis extract and fractions on seed germination and seedling development of mono and eudicotyledonous species

Abstract

The species Smilax fluminensis Steud. (Smilacaceae), popularly known as “cipó-quina” and “ijuapeca guasu”, originates from Brazil and has several uses in folk medicine and indigenous peoples for the treatment of persistent wounds, arthritis, bone pain, urinary problems, and rheumatism, as well as being used as a blood purifier, tonic, antipyretic and antisyphilitic. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of Smilax fluminensis extract and fractions on seed germination and seedling development of mono and eudicotyledonous species. Ethyl esters and phytol were characterized as the major compounds found in hexane fraction. In the polar samples, the main compounds annotated were kaempferol, luteolin and quercetin derivatives, and saponins. The ethanol extract (EE) and hexane (HEXF), dichloromethane (DCMF) and hydroethanol (HIDF) fractions increased the in vitro germination of Allium cepa seeds compared to controls, mainly at 125 μg/mL and 1000 μg/mL (100% germination) for EE and at 1000 μg/mL for HIDF. In addition, in the presence of EE at 250 μg/mL seedlings presented a greater number of roots, length and dry mass compared to 2,4-D and BAP. Ethyl acetate fraction (EACF) inhibited seed germination and seedling development. In Nicotiana tabacum, 100% germination was observed in the presence of EE at 125 μg/mL, 250 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL, when compared to the controls. However, the seedlings reduced the number of nodes, shoots and leaves, the length and dry mass of the stem and roots. In general, the fractions inhibited the germination of N. tabacum seeds, except 250 μg/mL of HEXF and 750 μg/mL of HIDF, where 100% germination was observed. The fractions also reduced the seedlings development, mainly at 750 μg/mL and 1000 μg/mL, compared to the controls. Thus, this study suggests that the extract and fractions of S. fluminensis exhibited an effect more similar to plant hormones on A. cepa (monocotyledonous) and bioherbicide on N. tabacum (eudicotyledonous), and may therefore play an have an important role in sustainable agriculture.