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This article enumerates the detailed anatomy of Cantinoa althaeifolia (Lamiaceae) illustrated with light and scanning electron microscopy images. The anatomical markers include the presence of branched nonglandular trichomes and capitate, peltate, and clavate types of glandular trichomes; prismatic crystals on the leaf and stem surfaces; and oil droplets in the leaf mesophyll. Histochemical tests and EDS analyses were performed in order to detect the composition of certain cells and their contents. The key findings of the present study can contribute to the taxonomy, species identification, and quality control of Cantinoa althaeifolia. K E Y W O R D S crystals, leaf anatomy, micromorphology, stem anatomy, trichomes

This article describes the morpho-anatomies of the leaves and stems of Ocotea paranaensis Brotto, Baitello, Cervi & Santos (Lauraceae) using light and scanning electron microscopy. The main anatomical features characterizing the species are the presence of simple non-glandular trichomes in the leaves and stems, large secretory cells in the leaves, flat-convex petioles with two small lateral ribs, brachysclereids in the stem cortex and pith, and the presence of starch grains and various types of calcium oxalate crystals in the pith. Histochemical tests indicated the presence of lignin in stone cells, fibers, and xylem. Lipophilic contents were found in the secretory cells.Phenolic compounds were detected in the epidermis, hypodermis, phloem, and xylem. The present study's findings can contribute to the taxonomy and authentication of O. paranaensis. Research highlights• This article is the first morpho-anatomical study of Ocotea paranaensis.• Anatomy and histochemistry of the leaves and stems were studied by light microscopy, FESEM and EDS.• The findings of this study would aid in the species identification and taxonomy.

In an effort to identify novel biopesticides, the present study aimed to assess the effects of Philodendron meridionale (Buturi & Sakur) stem and leaf ketonic and ethanolic extracts (SKE, SEE, LKE, and LEE, respectively) on the germination, growth, root respiration, and enzymatic activities of Lactuca sativa L. seeds, and to measure the associated saponins, phenolics, and flavonoids that may possess herbicidal, pharmaceutical, or pesticidal activities. The extracts were obtained using a modified Soxhlet apparatus and methanolic extracts of 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 mg.mL-1 were tested, with water and methanol as a control. The presence of saponins and the concentration of phenolic compounds were determined. Allelopathic activity was evaluated in tests of germination, growth, cellular respiration and enzymatic activity. The presence of saponins and the concentration of phenolic compounds equivalent to 225.12 for LKE, 240.45 for LEE, 193.28 for SKE, and 265.14 for SEE (mg·g-1.gallic acid), and flavonoids 52.74 for LKE, 54.31 for LEE, 72.74 for SKE, and 67.21 for SEE (mg.g-1.quercetin) were determined. The allelopathy of the P. meridionale extracts against L. sativa was confirmed through negative effects on L. sativa seed germination, radical growth and morphology, dry mass, and the concentrations of α-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1), ascorbate peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), and polyphenol oxidase (EC 1.10.3.1). It was likely that the allelopathic action of the P. meridionale extracts was related to its effects on the membrane permeability and oxidative stress of the treated L. sativa seeds. The P. meridionale extracts contained saponins, calcium oxalate crystals, and flavonoids, including phenolic compounds, which are known allelochemicals with herbicidal activities.

Plants have been seen as alternatives for researching natural antimicrobials and herbicides. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antibacterial, antifungal, and allelopathic properties of leaves extracts of Myrcia hatschbachii. The crude extract and fractions were obtained by Soxhlet apparatus. Antimicrobial activity was determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using the broth microdilution method. The ethyl acetate fraction showed activity against Candida albicans (MIC: 62.5 µg/mL), Staphylococcus aureus (MIC: 500 µg/mL), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC: 1000 µg/mL). Allelopathic activity evaluated the influence of crude extract and fractions on the germination and growth of Lactuca sativa. The crude extract and the chloroform fraction inhibited the growth of the radicle, while the hexane fraction inhibited the growth of the hypocotyl and radicle of lettuce seeds in all concentrations (100-1000 μg/mL). The biological potential of the species motivates further study of new antimicrobial and bioherbicidal agents.