Flavonoids in seed coats of<i>Medicago arborea</i>and<i>M. strasseri</i>(<i>Leguminosae</i>): Ecophysiological aspects

Abstract

Abstract Medicago arborea and M. strasseri are two leguminous species of great rusticity, valuables as ornamental and fodder plants. The high susceptibility to the fungal attack of their seeds limited those potential uses. Seven main flavonoids (Luteolin; Luteolin‐7‐glucoside; 7,3′,4′‐Trihydroxyflavone; 7,3′,4′‐Trihydroxyflavone 7‐glucoside; 7,4′‐Dihydroxyflavone; Quercetin‐3‐glucoside; Kaempferol‐3‐glucoside) were identified in the seed coats of both species. Their ecophysiological role is studied by bioassays: inhibition test of germination and radicle growth of Lactuca sativa and inhibition test of growth of Alternaria alternata and Pleospora herbarum fungus isolated from the seed coats.