Abstract
<p>Investigations were carried out to determine the possible interaction between salinity (60 mmol*dm<sup>-3</sup> NaCl) and phytotoxicity of herbicide Titus 25 DF (sulfonylurea herbicide containing active ingredient rimsulfuron). The herbicide was added to the nutrient solution at two concentrations - 1 or 100 nmol*dm<sup>-3</sup>. After 7 days of cultivation in the nutrient solution determined were the growth parameters and some biochemical compounds (photosynthetic pigments, total protein and free amino compounds content). The combined action of 1 nmol*dm<sup>-3</sup> rimsulfuron and salt caused a reduction in plant biomass accumulation, but this reduction was due to the salt itself. In the presence of 100 nmol*dm<sup>-3</sup> rimsulfuron, growth inhibition of maize roots was very high and salinity did not modify herbicide toxicity. However, reduction in maize shoots growth equalled the sum of the reductions caused by each particular factor applied separately (additive effect). The reduction in shoot fresh weight reached 64%.</p><p>The investigated stress factors induced a significant increase in amino compounds, with the exception of maize roots grown under NaCl plus 100 nmol-dm<sup>-3</sup> rimsulfuron. The concentration of total protein in maize roots diminished under NaCl and 100 nmol*dm<sup>-3</sup> rimsulfuron, although in the other cases, it did not change distinctly in comparison to the control. All factors, with the exception of NaCl, induced a slight increase in protein contents in maize leaves. Stress factors did not change significantly the total chlorophyll concentration, however, carotenoid content was markedly reduced. Nevertheless, the combined action of 100 nmol*dm<sup>-3</sup> rimsulfuron and NaCl caused a 10% increase in carotenoid content as compared to the control plants.</p><p>In conclusion, salinity did not change the toxicity of the herbicide applied in low dose (1 nmol*dm<sup>-3</sup>), but it did increase herbicide toxicity at high concentration (100 nmol*dm<sup>-3</sup>) regarding the maize shoots.</p>
Highlights
Herbicides are used extensively in agriculture, they are efficient tools in reducing the weeds and improve the yields and quality of crops
The reduction of shoot fresh weight reached 38% and 25% respectively for salt condition and in the presence of 100 nmol·dm-3 rimsulfuron, whereas under NaCl plus herbicide it amounted to 64%
Root growth was dramatically inhibited by the herbicide at concentration of 100 nmol·dm-3, whereas NaCl caused a lower inhibition of root growth
Summary
Herbicides are used extensively in agriculture, they are efficient tools in reducing the weeds and improve the yields and quality of crops. Action and metabolism of herbicides are well established, but there is little information on the influence of environmental conditions on action of herbicides (Mazur and Falco 1989). An important question arises, whether environmental factors can modify herbicides phytotoxicity. A few researches indicate that environmental factors influence the efficiency of herbicides (Dickson et al 1990; Sahid et al 1996; Undabeytia et al 1996). Soil salinity is an important factor limiting agricultural productivity in many parts of the world. There is a need for more knowledge on interaction of herbicides with salinity
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
