Effect of Quaternary Ammonium Salts with Fluorine Atoms on Selected Weed Species

Robert Biczak,Barbara Pawłowska,Maciej Płatkowski,Arkadiusz Telesiński,Michał Stręk

doi:10.1007/s00128-017-2033-6

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of four structurally different quaternary ammonium salts (QASs), i.e., tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate [TBA][BF4], tetrahexylammonium tetrafluoroborate [THA][BF4], tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate [TBA][PF6], and tetrahexylammonium hexafluorophosphate [THA][PF6], on the growth and development of three weed species: gallant soldier (Galinsoga parviflora Cav.), white goosefoot (Chenopodium album L.) and common sorrel (Rumex acetosa L.). The examined compounds were applied in the form of foliar spraying and soil application. Strong herbicidal properties of the examined compounds were demonstrated in case of their soil application. Growth inhibition of plant shoots and roots was greater with soil application than with foliar treatment. The strongest herbicidal activity of compounds was demonstrated with [TBA][BF4] have demonstrated [TBA][BF4] and [TBA][PF6] applied to the soil, while [THA][BF4] demonstrated the weakest herbicidal action. The increased concentration of applied QASs caused a decrease in the assimilation pigments, change in dry weight content and inhibition of length of shoots and roots.

Highlights

In recent years, much importance has been ascribed to the discovery of environmentally safe herbicides in crop protection (Praczyk and Skrzypczak 2004; Travlos et al 2014)
The results showed that the examined Quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) exhibited herbicidal properties
The strongest herbicidal activity was observed for all compounds after the salts were introduced into the soil

Summary

Introduction

Much importance has been ascribed to the discovery of environmentally safe herbicides in crop protection (Praczyk and Skrzypczak 2004; Travlos et al 2014). The examined compounds were added to the soil (incorporation) and weed seeds of G. parviflora, C. album and R. acetosa, sown on such prepared ground. Phytotoxicity of the QAS compounds was determined by measuring dry weight content of the weed leaves, shoot length and root length.

Results

Conclusion