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Abstract

Mikania micrantha and M. cordata (Asteraceae) are greatly concerned species in China. The former is known as plant killer in the world, whereas the latter is a harmless indigenous plant to environment in China. They are a very perfect congener couple for pair-wise comparative exploration to better comprehend the invasive mechanisms of alien weed. In this study, we measured and analyzed volatile oil of different tissues of the two plants by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and compared their similarities and differences in compositions. Mikania micrantha and M. cordata were rich in sesquiterpenes with a relatively high proportion. β-farnesene, β-caryophyllene, and α-zingiberene were their shared ingredients. Compared to M. cordata, M. micrantha has more detected compounds in root (24), stem (32), and flower (43). The maximum differences were found in volatile oil composition, content, and concentration between the two plants, which was also varied with the different plant tissues. The study is very valuable for exploring allelopathy, prevention, and management of M. micrantha. In particular, candidate terpenoid genes is also helpful for genetic engineering to manipulate allelopathic potential.

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