Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the phytotoxic activity of aqueous extracts of species from the Cerrado of Mato Grosso on the germination and initial development of lettuce seedlings, as well as to determine the chemical composition of the extracts. The species studied were: Davilla elliptica, Combretum laxum, Himatanthus obovatus, Diteryx alata, Curatella americana, Qualea grandiflora, Aspidosperma macrocarpon, Caryocar brasiliense, Pleroma candolleanum and Miconia albicans. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) techniques were used to identify functional groups and chemical compounds. The extracts of the species D. elliptica, C. laxum, C. brasiliense and Q. grandiflora showed greater phytotoxic activity on the germination of lettuce seeds which varied between 96 and 17%. The presence of compounds such as: phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenes with phytotoxic properties was confirmed.

ABSTRACT Plants have organic components produced as secondary metabolites able to positively or negatively interfere on normal development of other species. The objective of this research was to determine the phytotoxic effect of aqueous leaf extract from two species Rubiaceae family: Tocoyena formosa and Rudgea viburnoides on the germination and initial development of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L). The extract was obtained from mixing 50 g of fresh leaf and 500 mL of distilled water. The experiment was arranged in completely randomized design for each specie, subjected to five extract concentrations: 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%; and 4 repetitions of 50 seed each. The bioassays were performed in laboratory at controlled temperature and luminosity during seven days. Results showed that the aqueous extract of both species do not affected the germination and the percent of abnormal lettuce seedlings. R. viburnoides showed no pronounced difference in relation to shoot length and dry biomass; however, the root length was reduced by 85%. The extract of T. formosa at higher concentrations, drastically reduce the dry biomass and length of shoots and roots. Therefore, both species have phytotoxic effect on seedling growth of lettuce being the length root the most affected variable.