Avaliação do potencial alelopático e citogenotóxico do extrato aquoso de Pueraria phaseoloides (Roxb.) Benth. em Lactuca sativa L.

Abstract

Pueraria phaseoloides (Roxb.) Benth. is a legume widely used in agricultural systems due to its high biomass production and biological nitrogen fixation capacity. However, its invasive potential and the presence of secondary metabolites with allelopathic activity have raised interest regarding its effects on plant organisms. This study evaluated the effects of different concentrations of P. phaseoloides aqueous extract on the germination, root growth, and cytogenetic parameters of Lactuca sativa L. Germination percentage, root length, mitotic index, relative distribution of mitotic phases, total chromosomal alteration index, and frequency of heteropycnotic nuclei were assessed. The extract significantly reduced germination, root growth, and mitotic index, while altering mitotic dynamics and increasing the frequency of chromosomal aberrations and heteropycnotic nuclei. The most frequent alterations were chromosome stickiness, C-metaphases, and anaphase bridges. The results demonstrate the allelopathic, cytotoxic, and genotoxic potential of P. phaseoloides and contribute to a better understanding of the cellular mechanisms involved in its biological activity.