Herbicide and inhibitor effects on cell leakage in suspension cultures of tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum)

Abstract

Effects of selected herbicides and respiratory inhibitors on leakage from tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum) cell suspension cultures were studied. Leakage was monitored by quantitation of fluorescein dye released from preloaded cells and by measuring conductivity changes in the suspension medium. The herbicides ioxynil, Barban, 2,4,5-T, MCPB, and PCP (10 −6 to 10 −4 M) caused leakage of fluorescein dye and electrolytes within 2 hr of exposure to the herbicides. Potassium cyanide and 2,4-DNP caused appreciable leakage at the same concentrations. Similar responses were induced by anaerobiosis. Atrazine, metolachlor, paraquat, and nitrofen did not induce leakage when tested at concentrations of 10 −6 to 10 −4 M.