Effects of Butia Capitata pyrenes extracts on the germination of lettuce seeds

We evaluated the chemical composition of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of endocarp and endosperm of Butia capitata (Mart.) Becc. palm seeds and their inhibitory effects on seed germination and initial development of lettuce seedlings. The methanol extracts were analyzed using a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC/MS). Methanol extracts of endosperm and endocarp did not affect the germination (%), germination speed, fresh and dry weights of radicle and hypocotyl, but decreased the hypocotyl and radicle lengths. The principal allelopathic substances identified were: esters methyl (Z)-octadec-9-enoate, methylhexadecanoate and lauric (dodecanoic acid), myristic (tetradecanoic acid), oleic ((Z)-octadec-9-enoic acid), palmitic (hexadecanoic acid) and linoleic acid ((9Z,12Z)octadeca-9,12-dienoic acid).