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Published on: October 2, 2016
Identification of haemanthamine as a phytotoxic alkaloid in Narcissus pseudonarcissus L. (Daffodil) emerging buds
Christine J Kempthorne1,2, Suresh Borra3, Manoj Kumar3
1Biochemistry Group, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, Vineland Station, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
Emerging buds of Narcissus pseudonarcissus were found to accumulate the alkaloid haemanthamine (1) at high concentrations, exceeding that of narciclasine (2), the most abundant constituent in bulbs of the plant. A phytoactivity screening assay demonstrated the novel phytotoxicity of haemanthamine against Raphanus sativus (radish), Lactuca sativus (lettuce), Triticum aestivum (red wheat), Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), Cucumis sativus (cucumber), Ipomoea (Morning glory), and Lens culinaris (lentil). Haemanthamine (1) phytotoxicity was found to exceed that of the commercial herbicide glyphosate and less toxic than narciclasine (2).

