Document Type
Research Poster
Publication Date
4-7-2016
Abstract
We investigated the effects the allelopathogen thought to be found in Adenostoma fasciculatum leaves on seed germination in Ceanothus megacarpus seeds. We hypothesized that seeds treated with an extract containing the allelopathogen would not germinate, compared to seeds not treated with the allelopathogen. We hypothesized this because Adenostoma fasciculatum is known to produce an allelopathogen which inhibits growth in nearby plants in a natural environment. We prepared a 70% ethanol extract with Adenostoma fasciculatum leaves and treated 30 scarified Ceanothus megacarpus seeds with it; 30 additional Ceanothus megacarpus seeds were only given 70% ethanol. We placed these seeds in a light and temperature controlled growth chamber for 11 days, watering them with deionized water as needed. After the allotted growth period, we reported 87% germination in treated seeds and 77% germination in untreated seeds. This data was insignificant; in addition, we encountered outside fungal contamination of the Petri dishes that may have compromised our seed growth. As such, we were unable to conclude any decisive results in regards to our hypothesis.
Recommended Citation
Le Sage, Olivia L.; Prater, Shamiran C.; and Botello, Christian M., "Allelopathic compounds in Adenostoma fasciculatum leaves may inhibit seed germination of Ceanothus megacarpus" (2016). Pepperdine University, Featured Research. Paper 196.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/sturesearch/196