| Title | Concentrations and distributions of nordihydroguaiaretic acid, total phenolics and condensed tannins in creosotebush (Larrea tridentata) |
| Publication Type | Conference Paper |
| Year of Publication | 1998 |
| Authors | Fredrickson E.L., Hyder P.W., Tellez M.R., Estell RE |
| Conference Name | Annual Meeting, Society for Range Management |
| Date Published | 1998 |
| Abstract | Creosotebush contains a variety of secondary metabolites that have important ecological roles. Some, such as nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), have been proposed to have allelopathic effects that may contribute to the rapid expansion of creosotebush. Studies suggest phenolic compounds in roots affect root longevity, soil microbial processes and may have allelopathic properties. While NDGA concentrations in the above ground fraction has been extensively studied, other phenolic compounds throughout the plant, including the roots, have received little attention. Five creosotebush plants were collected and divided into 9 tissue categories. These categories were then analyzed for concentrations of NDGA, total phenolics and condensed tannins. NDGA was confined to "green" tissues such as leaves, flowers and stem tips. Total phenolics were found in all tissues with leaves, green stems and roots containing the highest concentrations. Condensed tannins were found in relatively low concentrations throughout all tissues except for seeds, which had levels roughly 17 times the mean concentration found in the rest of the plant. Future studies will look at the role of phenolics in modifying the plants immediate environment including allelopathic effects on sympatric plant species. |
Jornada
Science-based management strategies for sustainability of agriculture and other land uses
