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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026)

The hysteranthous defence: How phenology and organ-specific chemistry shape the allelopathic potential of Colchicum autumnale L.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.12592
Submitted
5 November 2025
Published
09-07-2026 — Updated on 15-07-2026
Versions

Abstract

Some geophytes like Colchicum autumnale L. (meadow saffron) rely on strong defensive chemistry to secure ecological persistence in natural habitats, yet the distinction between their allelopathic potential and the phytotoxicity of their constituents has rarely been examined. This study evaluated the biological effects of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts from distinct organs of C. autumnale across three phenophases on the germination and seedling development of two Ocimum basilicum L. (basil) cultivars (‘Italiano Classico’ and ‘Aromat de Buzău’). Basil seeds were exposed to varying dilutions of meadow saffron organ extracts and the effects were quantified through germination parameters. The results revealed solvent-dependent, organ-specific chemical plasticity in the secondary metabolites of C. autumnale. Hydroethanolic extracts from corms and flowers induced severe phytotoxicity, profoundly inhibiting the germination of basil seeds. In contrast, leaf and corm tunic extracts mitigated the chemical stress induced by the extraction solvent. This differential toxicity matches the hysteranthous phenology of the meadow saffron, proving that its most potent mitotic inhibitors are heavily localised in vulnerable reproductive and storage tissues. Aqueous extracts mainly inhibited seedling vigour, indicating that this species leachates or exudates might be capable of hindering the growth of competing species, but its true allelopathic potential may require tissue decomposition to exert significant suppression. Cultivar responses varied, with ‘Aromat de Buzău’ demonstrating higher germination and resilience than ‘Italiano Classico’. Ultimately, C. autumnale extracts may serve as biotechnological tools to support genotype selection and screening of early vigour traits under strictly controlled bioassay conditions.

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