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Variation of some secondary metabolites in juvenile stages of three plant species from tropical rain forest

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Abstract

Results from qualitative and quantitative evaluation of some chemical constituents, particularly phenols and volatile terpenes, from juvenile stages of three primary species belonging to the perennial rain forest are presented. The degree of infection and the time of the year were taken into account. TLC, GC, and simple chemical methods were used to estimate differences among components. Biological assays were conducted to evaluate fungicide potential of the extracts from studied plants. In general terms, the results show significant differences in the chemical composition of the species studied (Nectandra ambigens, Omphalea oleifera, andLicaria alata) related to the time of the year and the degree of infection. These differences can be related as well to their intrinsic resistance to infection and ability to grow to the adult stage.

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This investigation was sponsored by Project 001077 PCECBNA, Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología.

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del Amo, R.S., Ramírez, J.G. & Espejo, O. Variation of some secondary metabolites in juvenile stages of three plant species from tropical rain forest. J Chem Ecol 12, 2021–2038 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01041951

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01041951

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