Arteether: A potent plant growth inhibitor from Artemisia annua

Arteether, a derivative of artemisinin from Artemisia annua, was examined for its effect on the seedling growth of the dicotyledons Artemisia annua, Lactuca saliva (Asteraceae), Raphanus sativa (Brassicaceae), Portulaca oleracea (Portulacaceae) and Amaranthus blitum (Amaranthaceae), and the monocotyledons Secale cereale, Hordeum vulgare (Poaceae). The effect of arteether was compared with that of other compounds and derivatives of A. annua such as artemisinic acid, arteannuin B and artemisinin. Arteether was found to be the most effective growth inhibitor among the tested compounds. Its inhibitory effect on root was more pronounced than on the shoot. Artemisinin, the precursor for synthesis of arteether, showed equivalent or lower activity than arteether in most of the test plants. Artemisinin was more toxic to monocotyledons than dicotyledons, whereas arteether was observed to be highly toxic Is dicotyledonous weeds. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.