Search of New Tools for Weed Control Using , a Dominant Species in the Cerrado.

(Less.) Baker stands out as one of the species with the highest frequency, density, and relative dominance in the Cerrado formations. However, no phytochemical studies have been carried out with this species to date. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytotoxic activity of leaves in the search of new environmentally friendly tools for weed control. Thus, a wheat coleoptile and phytotoxic bioassay, using relevant agricultural weeds, was used to identify the most active extracts and fractions. The subsequent purification process allowed the isolation of 11 compounds, the phytotoxicity of which was evaluated in terms of wheat coleoptile elongation and with the most sensitive weeds. Piptocarphin A was found to be the major compound and the most active. To confirm its phytotoxic potential, the effect on grown in a hydroponic culture and on metaxylem cells was studied. The results obtained in this study demonstrate that the inhibitory activity displayed by leaf extract is mainly due to the presence of piptocarphin A. The phytotoxicity shown by leaf extract, and the isolated compounds, on weeds could provide new tools for weed control in agricultural fields.