In this report, we have studied the effects of aqueous extracts from the dry roots of five
species of the family Papaveraceae on several representatives of cyanobacteria and algae.
Our specific aim was to determine whether the QBA found naturally in these root extracts
could be used as selective cyanocides and/or algicides. Laboratory unialgal strains and
natural phytoplankton assemblage were employed. We also evaluated the toxicity of the
extracts to Daphnia magna and Lemna minor as representatives of sensitive non-target
aquatic organisms.