Variation in chemical composition and allelopathic potential of mixoploid Trigonella foenum-graecum L. with developmental stages.

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of developmental stages (vegetative, flowering and fruiting) of mixoploid fenugreek aerial parts on their chemical composition and allelopathic potential, assessed on lettuce germination and seedling growth. Aqueous and organic extracts significantly delayed germination, reduced its rate and affected seedling growth. Ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of aerial parts harvested at vegetative stage were the most toxic for lettuce germination and seedling growth, respectively.

Effect of the extracts of the spiderflower, Cleome arabica, on feeding and survival of larvae of the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis.

Aqueous and organic (hexane, chloroform, and methanol) extracts of siliquae, stems and leaves, and seeds of Cleome arabica L. (Brassicales: Capparidaceae) were evaluated in the laboratory for their antifeeding and insecticidal effect on larvae of the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), using a leaf dipping bioassay with castor bean, Ricinus communis L. (Malpighiales: Euphorbiaceae), leaf discs.

Response of nitrogen fixation in relation to nodule carbohydrate metabolism in Medicago ciliaris lines subjected to salt stress.

The effect of salt stress on nitrogen fixation, in relation to sucrose transport towards nodules and other sink organs and the potential of sucrose breakdown by nodules, was investigated in two lines of Medicago ciliaris. Under salt stress conditions, the two lines showed a decrease of total biomass production, but TNC 1.8 was less affected by salt than TNC 11.