Seasonal changes in azulenes in leaf cells of allelopathic species Eucalyptus cinerea studied by spectral methods
Seasonal changes in azulenes in leaf cells of allelopathic species Eucalyptus cinerea studied by spectral methods
- Author(s) Victoria V. Roshchina and Galina A. Soltani
- Year: 2025
- Month: September
- Volume: 66
- Pages: 59-68
Using spectral methods, we studied the condition of leaf surface of allelopathically active silver dollar eucalyptus (Eucalyptus cinerea) F. Muell Ex. Benth (fam. Myrtaceae) in various seasons. We evaluated the presence of blue azulene pigments on the surface and inside the cells. Using microspectrophotometry techniques, the dynamics of the number of azulenes on the surface of intact cells according to their absorbance spectra (maxima in the region of 570-630 nm) was seen, confirmed by spectral analysis of ethanol and acetone extracts of these pigments during short 10-min extraction of intact leaves. Prolonged extraction for 24-48 h also indicated the presence of azulenes inside the cells as well. The largest amount of these pigments was found in all extraction samples in the spring season, characteristic of the highest ultraviolet insolation. It is assumed that this was due to the antioxidant protection of azulenes from the damaging effects of formed reactive oxygen species.
