Allelopathic effects and toxicity against Artemia salina Leach of extracts of the fruit of Euterpe edulis Martius

(Allelopathic effects and toxicity against Artemia salina Leach of extracts of the fruit of Euterpe edulis Martius). Allelopathy is a process involving secondary metabolites produced by plants that influence growth and development of agricultural systems. Because of the toxicity of synthetic herbicides to the environment and human health, there has been increased interest in exploiting allelopathy as an alternative for weed control. This study evaluated the effect of extracts of Euterpe edulis Martius fruits on the development of cypselae and seedlings of Lactuca sativa Linne; the germination speed index, radicle and hypocotyl growth were determined. To evaluate the toxicity of the extracts the toxicity test against Anemia sauna Leach was used, where the LC50 and mortality rate were determined. The remaining fraction showed allelopathic effect, all concentrations altered the values of the index of germination speed and the concentrations of 0.2 and 0.4 mg inhibited both radicle growth and hypocotyl growth. In the toxicity test all extracts showed LC50 greater than 1000 ppm and mortality rate of 0%, indicating no toxicity of the extracts.