S. Wium-Andersen, U. Anthoni, C. Christophersen
Aug 1, 1982
Citations
4
Influential Citations
271
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Oikos
Abstract
Two allelopathic compounds, a dithiolane and a trithiane, have now been isolated from both fresh and brackish water Characean species. Bioassay with synthetic 4-methylthio-1,2-dithiolane (1) and 5-methylthio-1,2,3-trithiane (2) on epiphytic diatoms and lake and pond phytoplankton has shown that the trithiane (2) inhibits photosynthesis in a concentration of 3[t M. Elemental sulphur, often found when 2 is extracted from the plants, has an even stronger influence on photosynthesis than 2. Excretion of these compounds from Chara will reduce growth of epiphytic phytoplankton and explains why Chara populations seldom are found with epiphytes and further suppress phytoplankton growth in natural environments.