Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

1963

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Botany

Abstract

Previous instigations of common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, variety elatior L., have revealed several interesting aspects. The primary objectives of this research were to determine the location within the common ragweed, solubility characteristics, a method of purification, and the effects of the inhibitor on other biological organisms. Secondary objectives dealt with the dormancy of ragweed seeds and the effects of photoperiod upon ragweed plants. The method selected to carry out the objectives involved: (a) location and extraction of the inhibitor at various stages of development of ragweed, (b) purification of the inhibitor, and (c) determining the effects of the inhibitor on other biological organisms. Results of the study revealed that the maximum number of inhibitor concentration was located within the terminal regions of the ragweed plant. The inhibitor was partially purified by a fractionation procedure involving an absolute ethyl alcohol extraction, a transfer to petroleum ether, and a final transfer to deionized water. The ragweed inhibitor material inhibited the germination and growth of radish seeds when these were planted near the surface of the soil.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Ragweeds
Ragweeds -- Dormancy
Plant growth inhibiting substances,/p>

Description

Includes bibliographical references

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

34

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