Author
Fernando Felipe Galleguillos
f.galleguillos.penroz@gmail.com
PhD in Science with specialization in renewable natural resources – Universidad del Biobio
Chillan
Coauthors
Julio Alarcon, Universidad del Biobio, Chillan, Chile
Edgard Pastene, Universidad del Biobio, Chillan, Chile
Abstract
The Celastraceae family produces bioactive secondary metabolites, particularly agarofuran-type sesquiterpenes, which exhibit allelopathic and anti-herbivory activities through photosystem II inhibition. In this study, seeds of Maytenus boaria and M. magallanica were collected in Chile and established in vitro to generate sterile biomass. Methanolic maceration of dehydrated leaves and seeds yielded crude extracts, which were fractionated by polarity. The hexane fraction displayed the strongest bioactivity.
Preliminary phytotoxic assays on Phaseolus vulgaris leaves revealed necrosis comparable to the herbicide Diuron®. In Lactuca sativa, extracts reduced germination percentage, delayed germination rate, and induced root malformations. Enzymatic assays showed inhibition of α-amylase and dehydrogenases, alongside disruption of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase). Post-emergence tests confirmed a significant decrease in chlorophyll content, strongly correlated with photosystem II inhibition.
These results demonstrate that agarofuran-type sesquiterpenes in Maytenus spp. directly impair photosynthetic function and oxidative balance. The evidence highlights their potential as natural bioherbicides, offering a safer and sustainable alternative to synthetic herbicides for weed control in agriculture.
Keywords
Celastraceae
Agarofuran sesquiterpenes
Photosystem II inhibition
Bioherbicide
Allelopathy
Highlights
Maytenus extracts inhibit photosystem II and disrupt plant antioxidant defences.
Agarofuran sesquiterpenes show strong phytotoxic activity in pre- and post-emergence bioassays.
Natural bioherbicides from Celastraceae offer safer alternatives to synthetic weed control.