Sains Malaysiana 45(6)(2016): 963–967

Phytotoxic Activity of the Allelochemical, 2,4-Di-Tert-Butylphenol on Two Selected Weed Species

(Aktiviti Fitotoksik Alelokimia, 2,4-Di-Tert-Butilfenol terhadap Dua Spesies Rumpai Terpilih)

T.S. CHUAH¹*, M.Z. NORHAFIZAH², A.H. NAIMAH² & B.S. ISMAIL³

¹School of Science and Food Technology, University of Malaysia Terengganu

21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu Darul Iman, Malaysia

²Faculty of Agro-Based Industry, University of Malaysia Kelantan, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan

Darul Naim, Malaysia

³School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Received: 3 June 2015/Accepted: 8 December 2015

ABSTRACT

The allelochemical 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) is one of the natural compounds present in medicinal plants. This compound has been reported to possess herbicidal properties. However, its effect on weed growth parameters is unknown for it to be utilized in weed management. Hence, the herbicidal potential of the allelochemical 2,4-DTBP on the root and leaf tissues of the grassy weed, Leptochloa chinensis (L.) Nees and the broadleaf weed, Hedyotis verticillata (L.) Lam was investigated. After 2,4-DTBP treatment, both bioassay species had abnormal and much shorter root hairs compared to those of untreated plants. The roots of H. verticillata were severely damaged with the root nodes turned brown. The phytotoxic effect of 2,4-DTBP on L. chinensis and H. verticillata became apparent at seven days and 14 days after treatment with symptoms of lamina wilting and necrosis, respectively. These results demonstrated that 2,4-DTBP could be used as a natural herbicide for the control of L. chinensis and H. verticillata.

Keywords: Allelochemical; Hedyotis verticillata; Leptochloa chinensis; natural herbicides; weed control

ABSTRAK

Alelokimia 2,4-di-tert-butilfenol (2,4-DTBP) adalah salah satu sebatian semula jadi yang terdapat dalam tumbuhan perubatan. Sebatian ini dilaporkan mempunyai ciri-ciri fitotoksik. Walau bagaimanapun, kesan 2,4-DTBP ke atas parameter pertumbuhan rumpai tidak diketahui untuk kegunaannya dalam pengurusan rumpai. Oleh itu, potensi fitotoksik daripada alelokimia 2,4-DTBP pada akar dan tisu daun rumpai berdaun tirus, Leptochloa chinensis (L.) Nees dan rumpai berdaun lebar, Hedyotis verticillata (L.) Lam telah dikaji. Selepas rawatan 2,4-DTBP, kedua-dua spesies bioasai mempunyai rerambut akar yang tidak normal lebih pendek berbanding dengan tumbuhan yang tidak dirawat. Akar H. verticillata mengalami kerosakan teruk dengan nod akar bertukar coklat. Kesan fitotoksik 2,4-DTBP pada L. chinensis dan H. verticillata menjadi jelas pada hari ketujuh dan ke-14 selepas rawatan dengan simptom layu dan nekrosis pada lamina daun masing-masing. Hasil kajian ini menunjukkan bahawa 2,4-DTBP boleh digunakan sebagai racun herba semula jadi bagi mengawal L. chinensis dan H. verticillata.

Kata kunci: Alelokimia; Hedyotis verticillata; kawalan rumpai; Leptochloa chinensis; racun semula jadi

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*Corresponding author; email: chuahts@umt.edu.my