Effect of Various Flavor-Related Compounds on Germination of Curly Dock Seed (Rumex crispus) and Curly Dock Rust (Uromyces rumicis)

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Abstract
Chemicals that stimulate germination of curly dock seed (Rumex crispus L. # RUMCR) and urediniospores of curly dock rust [Uromyces rumicis Schum. (Wint.)], an obligate parasite of this weed, were studied and compared. Methyl salicylate, benzyl cyanide, and benzonitrile were the best stimulators of germination of curly dock seed. The compounds tested were most effective at concentrations ranging from 250 to 1000 μl/L. A 500 μl/L concentration of methyl salicylate caused 99% of the curly dock seed to germinate. Exposure to volatiles from 10 μl methyl salicylate or octyl cyanide for 16 to 24 h was required for maximum stimulation of curly dock seed germination in 10 days. Benzonitrile, methyl-2,4-dihydroxybenzoate, 3-cyanophenol, 2-heptanone, and benzaldehyde were the most effective of 45 compounds tested on urediniospores of curly dock rust. Benzonitrile was most active of 19 compounds tested on both seed and spores. Benzyl cyanide, 4-methoxybenzonitrile, benzaldehyde, and methyl 2,4-dihydroxybenzoate also were active on both propagules.