Abstract
The coleoptile node cells of sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] are sensitive to metolachlor (2-chloro- N-[2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl]- N-[2-methoxy-1-methylethyl]acetamide) in that lateral growth is stimulated at the expense of growth in length. This lateral growth may be induced by ethylene which is released from the herbicide-treated seedling. The bundle sheath cells of the first leaf develop pronounced cell walls after metolachlor treatment. Starch is accumulated in the chloroplasts. This points to the conclusion that starch-mobilizing enzymes (their synthesis or activity) are affected by metolachlor. Newly developing and differentiating cells of the shoot axis come under the direct influence of the herbicide. In these cells, mitochondria, chloroplasts, and other membranous structures become only weakly discernible. This seems to indicate that plastids and other membranous structures are not formed or that through membrane damage the fixatives and stains used for transmission electron microscopy are no longer suitable. The electron microscope pictures support the theory that one possible mode of action of the acetanilide herbicides is an inhibition of starch mobilization in the chloroplasts and of lipid synthesis.
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