Volatile Growth Inhibitors Produced by Salvia leucophylla: Effect on Seedling Anatomy

Abstract

Volatile materials emanating from leaves of S. leucophylla greatly reduce root and hypocotyl growth of germinating herb seeds. These structures are severely inhibited in the division and vertical elongation of their individual cells. Lipid globules accumulate within most cells and excessive cutin deposits appear on the outer walls of epidermal cells. Fewer lateral root initials develop, and in severely inhibited plants these roots never emerge through the epidermis. Some vascular tissue differentiation did occur but to a much lesser extent than in the controls.