In: Phyton 56, Fasc. 1 (2016): S. 39-48 DOI: 10.12905/0380.phyton56(1)2016-0039

Using Tobacco Cell Culture to Proof AllelopathicInteractions of Ailanthus altissima Extracts

By

Jürgen Lernbeiss, René Rehorska, Hartwig Wilfried Pfeifhofer and Maria Müller, with 3 Figures

Key words: Nicotiana tabacum, BY-2, Ailanthus altissima, allelopathy.

Summary
Lernbeiss J., Rehorska R., Pfeifhofer H. W. & Müller M. 2016. Using tobacco cell culture to proof allelopathic interactions of Ailanthus altissima extracts. – Phy­ton (Horn, Austria) 56 (1): 39–48, with 3 figures.

Nicotiana tabacum cultivar Bright Yellow 2 cell line is a widely used model system for higher plants. These cell cultures feature a high growth rate, homogene­ity and are simple to handle. In our studies we demonstrate that single cell monitor­ing combined with BY-2 biomass measurements, is a promising model system to understand allelopathic interactions and mechanisms of so called “natural herbi­cides”. We introduce this method in the present work by treating BY-2 cell cultures with root extracts from Ailanthus altissima (Simaroubaceae), an invasive plant spe­cies, in various concentrations and thereby reveal significantly changes in cell mor­phology, cell division and a reduction in Nicotiana tabacum cultivar BY-2 biomass.