Cotton growth and nutrient uptake following Temik aldicarb application

Abstract

SUMMARYThe feasibility of enhancing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth and nutrient uptake with Temik aldicarb was investigated using sand culture with a continuous flow of 1/5 strength of Hoagland solution. Aldicarb was incorporated in the nutrient solution at different rates, and was applied to the plants when they were 30 days old for a period of 1, 3, 5, or 7 days. The cation exchange capacity of the fresh roots of treated plants as well as the ionic permeability of the untreated plants as influenced by aldicarb application were also studied. Low rate of aldicarb provided a stimulus effect on the plant and enabled it to grow faster and to take up more N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na than the control. This suggested a direct effect of aldicarb on mineral metabolism especially those processes involving N and P. Maximum dry-matter yield and nutrient uptake occurred at the 5 mg aldicarb rate for all times of treatments. At a rate of 7middot;5 mg aldicarb, growth and nutrient uptake were inhibited, suggesting a toxicity of assimilatory processes within the plant which might have reduced its ability to take up and assimilate nutrients. Aldicarb facilitated the transfer of Na to the stem and leaves resulting in a more uniform distribution of Na throughout the treated plants compared with the control.