Phylloquinone (Vitamin K₁) Levels in Leaves of Plant Species Differing in Susceptibility to 2,4‐Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid

Abstract

Plant species differing in susceptibility to 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) were examined as to the level of phylloquinone (K) in the leaves. The K level was found to be considerably higher in several plants resistant or moderately resistant to 2,4‐D (Aegopodium podagraria L., Galium mollugo L., Lamium album L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Oxalis acetosella L., Stellaria media (L.) Vill., Viola arvensis Murr.) than in Chenopodium album L. and Sinapsis arvensis L. which are susceptible to 2,4‐D. Capsella bursa‐pastoris (L.) Med. and Plantago major L. (both moderately susceptible) and a few resistant or moderately resistant species (Agropyron repens (L.) PB., Anthriscus silvestris (L.) Hoffm., Triticum aestivum L.) had intermediate K levels. Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. (susceptible) had a relatively high level of K. It is possible that a high K level in the plant can be of importance in the resistance to 2,4‐D.

The traditional uses, chemical constituents and biological activities of Plantago major L. A review

“…A high vitamin K level might be of importance in the resistance of weeds to the herbicide 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. The vitamin K level in P. major was intermediate compared to other plant species, and it was also moderately resistant towards the herbicide (Jansson, 1974…”

The biology of Canadian weeds. 121. Galium mollugo L.

“…In Canada, G. mollugo has been found generally tolerant to applications of MCPA, 2,4-DB, 2,4-D, and dicamba (Doohan 1981;Ontario Weed Committee 2000). Jansson (1974) found in Sweden that G. mollugo plants tolerant or resistant to 2,4-D contained higher levels of vitamin K compared with susceptible plants and speculated that vitamin K was offsetting the effects of the herbicide.…”