Phytotoxic action mechanism of hapalocyclamide in lettuce seedlings

Hapalocyclamide (cyclo-thiazole-l-alanine-oxazole-d-alanine-d-thiazoline-d-phenylalanine), a hexapeptide phytotoxic compound, was isolated from the terrestrial cyanobacterium Hapalosiphon sp. The phytotoxic action of the compound was investigated in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Great Lakes no. 366) by determining its effects on several physiological processes. Hapalocyclamide effectively inhibited mitosis process in root tips, which resulted in the suppression of primary root growth of lettuce. The compound also induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and loss of cell viability in root cells. Moreover, hapalocyclamide-induced lipid peroxidation in both roots and shoots. Therefore, the primary action of hapalocyclamide to suppress lettuce growth might be caused by ROS overproduction, which induces major oxidative damage to membrane lipids, resulting in cell death and growth inhibition.

► Phytotoxicity of hapalocyclamide on lettuce is mainly due to ROS overproduction. ► ROS induced lipid peroxidation and this caused cell death and growth inhibition. ► ROS production may be triggered by plasma membrane NADPH oxidase. ► Suppression of mitosis may also be one of the factors of root growth inhibition.