Abstract

BARBIERI JUNIOR, Élio; ROSSIELLO, Roberto Oscar Pereyra; MORENZ, Mirton José Frota  and  RIBEIRO, Roberta Cristiane. Comparison of direct methods of extraction and chlorophyll contents quantification in leaves of Tifton 85 bermudagrass. Cienc. Rural [online]. 2010, vol.40, n.3, pp. 633-636. ISSN 0103-8478.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-84782010000300022.

This study aimed to assess which is the most appropriate protocol for extraction of chlorophylls a, b and total (a + b) to be applied in studies with Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) forage grass. Results revealed that, based on total (a + b) chlorophyll contents, the best extractors were N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide and acetone 80% (using the equations proposed by ARNON, 1949). Temporal changes in the concentrations of chlorophyll a, b and total were well described by a hyperbolic model common to all solvents, being the period of 48 hours considered sufficient for an appropriate extraction.

Keywords : Cynodon spp.; acetone; N; N-dimethylformamide; dimethylsulfoxide.