Secretion of catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa roots to the rhizosphere

The concentrations of catalpol in the culture solutions, roots, stems and leaves of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. were determined by HPLC. The biological activity of catalpol was detected with Arabidopsis thaliana L. seedlings. The results showed that all R. glutinosa Libosch. vegetative organs contained catalpol. Catalpol was also found in culture solutions in which the R. glutinosa Libosch. seedlings were grown. Catalpol inhibited seed germination and root growth in A. thaliana L., respectively, at concentration 80 and 20 mu mol/dm(3). These results suggest that R. glutinosa Libosch. may produce catalpol and secrete it into the culture solutions. Catalpol acts as an antimicrobial and allelopathic agent; the secretion of catalpol into the R. glutinosa Libosch. rhizosphere may provide a competitive advantage for root establishment through local suppression of soil microorganisms and inhibition of the growth of competing plant species. However, autotoxicity of catalpol in R. glutinosa Libosch. may occur, which may be relevant to the obstacle in its continuous cropping.