Effect of chlorsulfuron and 1, 8 naphthalic anhydride on uptake of 45Ca in maize

The effect of chlorsulfuron on uptake of ⁴⁵Ca was studied in maize (Zea mays L. cv. Earliking) plants grown from seeds dusted with 1, 8 naphthalic anhydride (NA). ⁴⁵Ca absorption in sand-grown maize was significantly decreased when chlorsulfuron was applied to the foliage but this was not so when seeds had been dusted with NA. Uptake of ⁴⁵Ca was also reduced when either root or shoot soil zones were separately exposed to chlorsulfuron. When seeds had been dusted with NA, uptake of ⁴⁵Ca from main roots was similar to that of untreated plants, but only when chlorsulfuron was localized in the shoot zone. NA did not counteract the severe reduction in ⁴⁵Ca absorption when chlorsulfuron was localized in the root zone.     

Uptake patterns of soil-applied 45Ca and 32P in some legume species as influenced by differential trifluralin placement

The effect of localized placement of trifluralin on uptake patterns of soil-applied ⁴⁵Ca in vetch (Vicia sativa L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.) and soybean (Glycine max) and ³²P in vetch and pea was investigated in two soil zones in the roots and in the shoot zone before and after plant emergence. When trifluralin was in the upper root zone severe inhibition of lateral roots occurred as well as a marked decrease in uptake of ⁴⁵Ca and ³²P from this zone. Root growth in the lower zone was unaffected, but uptake of ⁴⁵Ca and ³²P was slightly reduced. Compensatory adventitious root growth as well as a marked increase in uptake of ⁴⁵Ca and ³²P occurred in the shoot zone. Neither root growth nor uptake of ⁴⁵Ca or ³²P in the upper root zone were affected by the presence of trifluralin in the lower root region. When trifluralin was placed in the shoot zone after plant emergence, adven-titious roots on the shoots were inhibited and uptake of ⁴⁵Ca and ³²P was reduced.     

VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF HERBICIDES IN SOIL AND THEIR AVAILABILITY TO PLANTS: SHOOT COMPARED WITH ROOT UPTAKE

Summary. Turnip, lettuce and ryegrass seedlings showed toxicity symptoms following shoot exposure to atrazine, linuron and aziprotryne at soil concentrations less than would be obtained from normal field applications. Responses following shoot exposure to simazine and lenacil were much less. Root exposure to all five herbicides caused seedling death at concentrations lower than those required for 'shoot-zone' toxicity. Pronamide and chlorpropham were tested against ryegrass only and at the concentrations examined were toxic only when localized in the shoot zone. Root exposure suppressed root growth, but the shoots were able to grow normally if the soil was kept sufficiently moist. Shoots contained more ¹⁴C-atrazine at emergence after shoot exposure compared with root exposure, but there was little subsequent uptake from the shoot zone. There was extensive uptake from the root zone after emergence. In the shoot-zone treatments, concentrations in the plant were high at emergence but were rapidly diluted by plant growth, whereas with root exposure, they increased throughout the experiments. The possible significance of these results to herbicide bebaviour under field conditions is discussed.
La distribution verticale des herbicides dans le sol et leur disponibilité pour les plantes: absorption comparée par la partie aèrienne et par les radnes     

SHOOT ZONE UPTAKE OF SOIL-APPLIED HERBICIDES*

Summary. Studies were conducted to determine the effects of herbicide placement at different zones of maize (Zea mays L.) and pea (Pisum sativwm L.) shoots below the soil surface after emergence. Soil was removed from around the shoots and replaced with herbicide-treated soil. A wax barrier ensured separate exposure of the zones to treated soil. EPTC, chlorpropham, propham and sulfallate did not affect pea shoot growth, but in maize the shoot zone adjacent to the crown root node was extremely sensitive. Treatment in this area markedly reduced growth and severely inhibited the crown roots. The difference in susceptibility between these species may he due to the location of the growing point relative to the treated soil. Shoots of maize and pea were sensitive to diuron. In maize the shoot adjacent to the crown root node and the tissue of the first internode were the most susceptible. In pea the- uppermost shoot (beneath the soil surface) was the most sensitive. Trifluralin did not affect growth of maize and pea when placed in the shoot zone after emergence, although the crown roots of maize were severely inhibited. Naptalam, dalapon and 2,4-D did not affect growth of maize under similar conditions, and of these only 2,4-D reduced growth of pea. Zone d'abiorption des tiges pour les herbicides appliqués sur h sol     

SITE OF UPTAKE OF SOIL-APPLIED HERBICIDES*

Summary. We conducted studies to determine the effects on corn (Zea mays L, var. Indiana 654) and pea (Pisum sativum L. var. Alaska) of localizing various herbicides in the soil, using a double plastic pot technique which ensured separate exposure of the root and shoot zones of the plants to treated soil. Effects on corn and pea were similar in relation to site of uptake. 2,4-D-amine, naptalam, simazine, diuron and dalapon-sodium entered primarily through the roots. Some shoot entry and also severe inhibition of roots occurred in soil treated with 2,4-D and naptalam; these were noticed only to a slight extent with the other three herbicides. EPTC, chlorpropham and trifluraiin were most effective when applied to the shoot zone. Little effect on foliage growth was evident when the root zone alone was treated. However, roots in treated soil were severely inhibited by these three herbicides. Dinoseb displayed a contact type of action, injuring both shoots and roots. Treatment of both zones had an additive effect. Entry of chlorthal-methyl which was tested on a susceptible species, sorghum (Sorghum vulgare Pers.) was mainly through the shoot, with only a slight effect on top growth when roots alone were treated. Roots in treated soil were slightly inhibited. Localisation de l'absorption des herbicides appliqués sur le sol     

Allelopathic potential of wild onion (Asphodelus tenuifolius) on the germination and seedling growth of chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

Water extracts obtained from the roots, shoots, and fruits of mature wild onion ( Asphodelus tenuifolius ) plants and soil taken from an A. tenuifolius field were used to determine their allelopathic effects on the germination and seedling growth of chickpea ( Cicer arietinum ) in the laboratory. The roots, shoots, and fruits of A. tenuifolius were soaked individually in water in a ratio of 1:20 (w/v) for 24 h to prepare the extracts. Distilled water was used as the control. The germinated seeds were taken out from the Petri dishes and counted every day for 12 days. The seeds of chickpea were also sown in sand and in each of the controlled, normal soil and the soil taken from the A. tenuifolius -infested field in Petri dishes to record the length and weight of the roots and shoots 18 days after sowing. The mean germination time reached the maximum amount for the stem and fruit extracts. The fruit extract caused the most reduction in the germination index and the germination percentage of chickpea. The different wild onion organ extracts significantly reduced the root and shoot length and biomass of the chickpea seedlings compared with the distilled water. The fruit extract of wild onion proved to be the most detrimental to the root length, shoot length, and dry weight of the chickpea seedlings. The soil beneath the A. tenuifolius plants significantly reduced the emergence, root length, shoot length, shoot dry weight, and seedling dry weight but increased the root dry weight of the chickpea seedlings. It is suggested that A. tenuifolius releases phytotoxic compound(s).     

Alachlor placement in the soil as related to phytotoxicity to maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings*

Growth chamber studies were conducted to investigate the effects of alachor (2-choloro-2′,6′-diethyl-N- (methoxymethyl) acetanilide) on emerging seedlings of maize (Zea mays L.) planted 2.5 and 8.0 cm deep in a Plano silt loam soil. Alachlor was localized in the shoot zone, in the root zone, and in the shoot and root zones. Four days after emergence, seedlings were harvested and total shoot and root lengths used as measures of herbicidal effectiveness. The herbicide applied at a rate of 2.5 kg/ha caused a severe reduction in seedling height when placed in the shoot zone of seeds planted at the shallow depth. This injury was prevented when seeds were planted at the deeper level. When alachlor was placed in the root zone, there was no inhibition of shoot growth. When both shoot and root zones were exposed to the herbicide, severe growth inhibition again occurred. Roots were less sensitive to alachlor. A simple technique involving use of sand and activated charcoal barriers to effectively separate the shoot and root zones is described.     

Glyphosate effects on Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) roots, root buds, and shoots

Glyphosate ? ? Mention of irademark or proprietary product does not constitute a gtiarantee or warranty oC the product by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and does nut imply its approval to the exclusion of other products thai may also be suitable.
was sprayed at 0009–1·12 kg a.i. ha^?1 on the foliage of large potted glasshouse-grown Canada thistle [Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.], which had extensive, well-developed roots. Increasing the glyphosate rate progressively reduced the total number of visible adventitious root buds plus emerged secondary shoots per plant proportionately more than root biomass, 10 days after treatment. Cortical tissue of thickened propagative roots became soft, water-soaked, darkened, and some regions decomposed, exposing strands of vascular tissue. Lateral roots completely decomposed. When thickened roots were segmented to stimulate secondary shoot emergence from root buds 10 days after foliar treatment, Fewer secondary shoots emerged than expected from the number of visible adventitious root buds present on both control and herbicide-treated plants. Increasing the rate of glyphosate also reduced the regrowth potential of root buds proportionately more than root biomass. Regrowth potential was measured as the number of emerged secondary shoots 35 days after segmenting unearthed roots from plants that had been sprayed 10 days earlier. When foliar-applied at 0·28 kg ha^?1, glyphosate decreased the regrowth potential of root buds to zero in 2 and 3 days, as measured by secondary shoot dry weight and number, respectively, even though root fresh weight was unchanged 3 days after foliar treatment. These dose-response and time-course experiments demonstrate that glyphosate did not reduce root biomass as much as it decreased root bud numbers and secondary shoot regrowth potential from root buds.     

Shoot zone uptake of soil-applied herbicides in some legume species

Localized placement of prometryne, linuron and diuron in the soil at the first or second shoot internodes of dwarf broad bean (Vicia faba L.) equally reduced aerial plant growth, whereas simazine and atrazine had no effect. Growth reduction also occurred when the first shoot internode of scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus multiflorus L.) in the soil was treated with all five herbicides, especially with diuron. Localized placement of these herbicides at the first or second shoot internodes of vetch (Vicia sativa L.) in the soil equally reduced aerial plant growth. Foliar injury to vetch due to placement of these herbicides in the shoot zone of the soil was markedly reduced by simultaneous treatment with trifluraiin or nitralin which prevented adventitious root development on the shoot without otherwise affecting plant growth. This lack of root development on the shoots treated with trifluraiin was associated with a marked decrease in ¹⁴C-labelled atrazine uptake, which probably accounted for the reduction in atrazine phytotoxicity. A similar explanation may account for the reduced phytotoxicity of the other herbicides in the presence of trifluraiin or nitralin.     

Growth of seedling Achillea millefolium L. (yarrow) in association with pea (Pisum sativum L.)

When Achillea millefolium L. (yarrow) seedlings were grown in the field in association with a pea (Pisum sativum L.) crop vegetative growth of yarrow was significantly reduced by 6 weeks after emergence. Flowering was totally suppressed while the pure stand of yarrow developed flower clusters at 13 weeks after seedling emergence. Rhizome development occurred at 8 weeks after seedling emergence in the pure stand, but not until 15 weeks when grown with pea. The early suppression of seedling yarrow in a glasshouse experiment was associated with root interference, although by 5 weeks shoot interference by pea plants was important in reducing yarrow growth. The greatest suppression of yarrow occurred when both roots and shoots of the two species were allowed to interfere. Yarrow had low aggressivity against pea when grown in various combinations in a replacement series experiment in the glasshouse.     

Seasonal pattern of shoot emergence and its endogenous control in horsenettle (Solanum carolinense L.)

Controlling established horsenettle plants is achieved by suppressing shoot emergence from root systems. The seasonal pattern of shoot emergence and its possible endogenous control in horsenettle ( Solanum carolinense L.) were investigated. The shoot emergence period in an undisturbed population was limited to a seven-week period from mid-April, and a little longer in tilled conditions. Detached roots showed very high shoot-sprouting ability under 15–30°C throughout the year. In shoot clipping experiments, new shoots sprouted only from the stem and not from the root when attached to shoots, whether above-ground or underground. On the contrary, new shoots sprouted from the roots when all parts of the shoots were clipped off. From these results, the limited shoot emergence period in horsenettle is thought to be initiated by temperatures necessary for sprouting and is ended by a growth correlation effect between early emerged and matured shoots.     

A TECHNIQUE FOR STUDYING THE RATE OF ROOT GROWTH OF INTACT SEEDLINGS IN A HERBICIDE MEDIUM

Summary. Time-lapse cine photography was used to record intact seedling root growth of pea and barley during separate exposure of root, shoot + seed, or entire needling to herbicides. The shoot + seed and the root zones were isolated in two square Petri dishes fixed edge to edge, and separately treated with moistened herbicide-treated sand. The seated dishes were placed at an angle of 30° in a photographic chamber. Photographs of roots were automatically recorded at 10-min intervals on 16 mm high speed reversal film over 72 h. Root length images on film were measured using an ocular micrometer. Root growth of pea and barley seedlings was normal when the shoot + seed zone was treated with 2,4-D at 1 and 10 ppm, respectively. In similar treatment of roots growth inhibition occurred after approximately 20 h in both plants, and root growth ceased alter 32 h in peas, and 57 h in barley. These results indicate the inherent tolerance of barley roots to 2,4-D.
Technique pour l'étude du taux de croissance des racines intactes de plantules dans un milieu herbicide     

Studies on the site of uptake by plants of chlortoluron and terbutryne

Experiments were done to observe the pattern of early root development of radish (Raphanus raphatnistrum L.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), the mobility of chlortoluron following application to the soil surface, the effect of protecting the subterranean shoots of four plant species on their response to chlortoluron and terbutryne and the relative quantities of ¹⁴C-labelled chlortoluron taken up by radish and Avenu fatua from root and shoot zone exposure. Both chlortoluron and terbutryne appear to be able to enter the plants examined, Alopecurus myosuroides, Stellaria media, perennial ryegrass and radish, through roots and shoots. It is suggested that shoot uptake is relatively more important for plants like perennial ryegrass than for those whose roots develop more quickly and invade the soil above the seed, such as radish. The quantities of radioactive chlortoluron taken up from soil containing 400 ng g^?1 showed that less than 3 ng per plant could reduce A. fatua fresh weight by 17–40% while over 30 ng per plans had little effect on radish. By comparison 2 kg ha^?1 chlortoluron applied to the soil surface of pots which were sub-irrigated for 3 weeks gave a concentration of 170 ng g^?1 in the layer of soil 10–12 mm from the surface. It is suggested that for shallow germinating species with herbicides of physical and phytotoxic properties similar to chlortoluron, the solvent action of rainfall, together with diffusion, is enough to allow the transport of toxic quantities to the target plant although any leaching action is likely to increase activity.     

Uptake and fate of triticonazole applied as seed treatment to spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Following seed treatment of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with ¹⁴C-labelled triticonazole at a dose of 1·8 g kg^-1 seed, the uptake of radioactivity by shoots and roots was investigated from the two- to three-leaf stage up to the beginning of the booting phase, 80 days after sowing. Triticonazole equivalents taken up by wheat plants reached 5·7% and 14·6% of the applied dose in the shoots and the roots, respectively. Between the two- to three-leaf stage and the beginning of the booting phase, the concentration of triticonazole equivalents in the shoots decreased from 2·5 to 0·15 μg g^-1 fresh weight. This was attributed to uptake of triticonazole by roots not keeping pace with shoot growth and increased retention in the roots of triticonazole taken up. The main factor limiting the uptake of triticonazole by the roots may be the rapid growth of the uptake-active apical root parts out of the dressing zone which had formed in the soil. Distribution of triticonazole equivalents taken up by the main shoot showed a decreasing concentration gradient from the oldest to the youngest leaf. An increase in the seed treatment dose was investigated as a way to increase the concentration of triticonazole in the shoots, but its influence remained limited. © 1998 SCI     

Interactions between soil-applied herbicides in the roots of some legume species

The effects on plant growth of applying trifluralin or nitralin combination with simazine, atrazine, prometryne and linuron to the upper 5-cm root region of vetch (Vicia sativa L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.) and soybean (Glycine max) were investigated. Foliar injury due to herbicides of the second group was markedly reduced in each species by simultaneous treatment with trifluralin or nitralin both of which inhibited lateral root growth without affecting aerial plant growth or tap root extension growth. This inhibition of lateral root growth in roots treated with trifluralin or nitralin was associated with reduced uptake and subsequent transport to the foliage of ¹⁴C-labelled simazine in vetch and pea and ¹⁴C-labelled atrazine in soybean. This probably accounted for the reduction in simazine and atrazine phytotoxicity. In the presence of trifluralin or nitralin comparatively higher amounts of radioactivity were retained in the roots of pea and soybean and this reduced the amount of ¹⁴C available for transport to the foliage. This was not evident in vetch.     

Influence of picloram on Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop, control with glyphosate

Low rates of picloram in mixture with glyphosate provided a rapid enhancement of the onset of injury to the shoots of Cirsium arvense (Canada thistle or creeping thistle) under field (0.07+1.0 and 0.07+1.5 kg ha^?1) and greenhouse (0.035+0.42 and 0.07+0.84 kg ha^?1) conditions. Picloram slightly reduced the amount of ¹⁴C-glyphosate absorbed at 24 and 48 but not 72 h after treatment. Movement of ¹⁴C-glyphosate from the treated leaves to the shoot apex, remainder of the shoot and roots was reduced in the presence of picloram. Necrosis of the treated leaves above the treated spots was evident, presumably indicating acropetal movement of either or both herbicides. With the picloram + glyphosate mixtures there was increased shoot regrowth over glyphosate alone at 1 year after treatment under field, and with certain mixtures at 18 days and 4 weeks after treatment under greenhouse conditions. Following application of the mixtures, accumulation of glyphosate in the shoots may be responsible for the enhanced onset of shoot injury while failure of enough glyphosate to translocate to, and cause death of, the roots may be responsible for the increased shoot regrowth over glyphosate alone.     

Soybean shoot metabolism of isopropyl-3-chlorocarbanilate: Ortho and para aryl hydroxylation

This laboratory reported that isopropyl-3-chlorocarbanilate-phenyl-U-¹⁴C (chlorpropham-phenyl-¹⁴C) was absorbed, translocated, and metabolized by soybean plants. Both polar metabolites and insoluble residues were found in roots, whereas only polar metabolites were found in shoot tissues. In both roots and shoots the polar metabolites were shown to be the O-glucoside of isopropyl-2-hydroxy-5-chlorocarbanilate (2-hydroxy-chlorpropham). In shoot tissue there were other polar metabolites that were not identified. The experiments with soybeans have been repeated, but with new isolation and purification procedures. The plants were root treated with both chlorpropham-phenyl-¹⁴C and isopropyl-3-chlorocarbanilate-2-isopropyl-¹⁴C. The roots and shoots were extracted and separated into the polar, nonpolar, and insoluble metabolic components, using the Bligh-Dyer extraction method. The polar metabolites were separated by gel permeation chromatography. Further purification was accomplished on Amberlite XAD-2. The polar metabolites from the shoot and root tissues were hydrolyzed either by β-glucosidase or hesperidinase. The enzyme liberated aglycones were derivatized and separated by gas-liquid chromatography, and the components were characterized by mass spectrometry or NMR. The results of this study showed that the polar metabolites of soybean shoots were 2-hydroxy-chlorpropham and isopropyl-4-hydroxy-3-chlorocarbanilate (4-hydroxy-chlorpropham). These two hydroxy-chlorpropham metabolites were found in soybean shoots at a ratio of approximately 1:1. The only aglycone found in root tissue was 2-hydroxy-chlorpropham. Using the new procedures, no evidence was obtained for the presence of the unidentified polar metabolites that were previously observed in shoot tissues.     

Uptake, translocation and phytotoxicity of root-absorbed haloxyfop in soybean, Festuca rubra L. and Festuca arundinacea Schreb

The concentrations of haloxyfop in nutrient solution required to reduce the total plant dry weight of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr. ‘Evans’), red fescue (Festuca rubra L. ‘Pennlawn’), and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. ‘Houndog’) by 50% (GR₅₀) were determined. The GR₅₀) values for soybean, red fescue and tall fescue were 76 μM, 3μM and 0.4 μM, respectively. The reduction in growth in roots and shoots of soybean was similar. In contrast, the relative reduction in root tissue weight was greater than that for foliar tissue in both grass species. The amount of ¹⁴C-haloxyfop in soybean roots or shoots was higher than in red fescue or tall fescue. Red fescue accumulated less haloxyfop in the foliage than in the roots. On the other hand, similar amounts of ¹⁴C-haloxyfop accumulated in both organs in both soybean and tall fescue. ¹⁴C-haloxyfop appeared to be actively absorbed by the roots of all species. Soybean absorbed more nutrient solution, but utilized it less on a per gram dry matter produced basis than the grass species. Differences in the uptake and translocation of haloxyfop by roots do not account for differences in tolerance between species. However, a higher level of retention of haloxyfop in the roots of red fescue than in tall fescue may provide the former with an additional selectivity advantage under conditions where there is significant root exposure to the herbicide.     

Responses of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to foliar or root entry of chlorsulfuron

The objective of this study was to determine whether chlorsulfuron applied post-emergence enters more by roots or by foliage of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Such differences could explain observed variation in tolerance between cultivars and interactions with environmental factors. Two experiments were conducted in the glasshouse, where chlorsulfuron was applied to either foliage, soil or combined foliage and soil. In the first experiment, application of chlorsulfuron to foliage had less effect on dry matter (DM) than the combined treatment in two cultivars each of barley and wheat. Root DM was more sensitive to chlorsulfuron than shoot DM in both species. Shoot DM of wheat cv. Vulcan tended to be more sensitive to chlorsulfuron than cv. Olympic or both barley cultivars. In the second experiment, application of chlorsulfuron to foliage of two barley cultivars reduced shoot DM by 30–40%, compared with about 70% after soil or combined applications. Root DM was more sensitive than shoot DM, with reductions of 80% after soil or combined applications, and about 50% after foliar application. Root entry of chlorsulfuron in barley thus leads to greater crop injury from the herbicide than foliar entry, and this may explain why rain soon after application leads to more injury from the herbicide. If no rain follows application, uptake of chlorsulfuron primarily by foliage may still reduce barley root growth in some circumstances, which will impair the ability of plants to take up nutrients and water, and the consequences for grain yield will be most severe in drought conditions. Differences in root or foliar entry did not explain culti-var differences in tolerance to chlorsulfuron measured previously in the field. Réponses de l'orge de printemps (Hordeum vulgare L.) et du blé de printemps (Triticum aestivum L.) au chlorsulfuron appliqué par voie foliaire ou racinaire Le but de cette étude était de déterminer si la pénétration du chlorsulfuron appliqué en post levée se fait principalement par les racines ou le feuillage de l'orge de printemps (Hordeum vulgare L.) et du blé de printemps (Triticum aestivum L.). De telles différences pourraient expliquer des variations de tolérance entre variétés et l'effet de facteurs de l'environnement. Deux expériences ont été menées en serre, où le chlorsulfuron était appliqué sur le feuillage, sur le sol ou sur les deux à la fois. Dans la première expérience, sur deux variétés d'orge et deux variétés de blé, l'application de chlorsulfuron sur le feuillage avail moins d'effet sur la production de matière sèche (MS) que le traitement combiné. Chez les deux espèces, la production de MS était plus affectéd dans les racines que dans les parties aériennes. La production de MS par les parties aériennes était plus touchée par le chlorsulfuron chez la variété de blé Vulcan que chez la variété Olympic et chez les deux variétés d'orge. Dans la seconde expérience, l'application de chlorsulfuron sur le feuillage des deux variétés d'orge réduisait la MS des parties aériennes de 30–40%, contre 70% par un traitement sur le sol ou par des applications combinées. Dans les racines, la production de MS était plus affectée que dans le feuillage, avec des réductions de 80% lors de traitements sur le sol ou combinés et environ 50% lors de traitements foliaires. Le chlorsulfuron était plus phytotoxique à l'égard de l'orge quand il pénétrait par les racines que par le feuillage. Ceci pourrait expliquer qu'une pluie survenant peu de temps après le traitement occasionne plus de phytotoxicité. S'il ne pleut pas après le traitement, l'absorption de chlorsulfuron, qui se produit principalement par le feuillage, peut toutefois sous certaines conditions réduire la croissance racinaire de l'orge. La capacité des plantes à absorber les nutriments et l'eau est diminuée, avec pour conséquence que les effets sur le rendement en grain sont plus importants en cas de stress hydrique. Les différences d'absorption racinaire ou foliaire n'expliquent pas les différences de tolérance au chlorsulfuron constatées précédemment au champ entre variétés. Reaktion von Sommergerste (Hordeum vulgare L.) und Sommerweizen (Triticum aestivum L.) auf Blatt- und Wurzelaufnahme von Chlorsulfuron Ziel dieser Untersuchung war es, festzustellen, ob im Nachauflauf angewandtes Chlorsulfuron mehr über die Wurzeln oder über das Blatt von Sommergerste (Hordeum vulgare L.) und Sommerweizen (Triticum aestivum L.) aufgenommen wird. Solche Unterschiede könnten die unterschiedliche Toleranz von Sorten und Interaktionen mit Umweltfaktoren erklären. Bei 2 Gewächshausversuchen, wobei Chlorsulfuron auf das Blatt und/oder den Boden ausgebracht wurde, hatte bei je 2 Gersten- und Weizensorten die Blattapplikation eine geringere Wirkung auf die Trockenmasse-(TM-)Bildung als die kombinierte Ausbringung. Bei beiden Arten war die Wurzel-TM-Bildung empfindlicher als die Sproß-TM-Bildung, wobei diese sich bei der Weizensorte ‘Vulcan’ empfindlicher als bei ‘Olympic’ und den beiden Gerstensorten erwies. Im 2. Versuch verminderte sich nach der Blattapplikation von Chlorsulfuron bei den Gerstensorten die Sproß-TM um 30 bis 40%, nach Boden- oder kombinierter Anwendung um 70%. Die Wurzel-TM-Büdung war (wiederum) mit 80% Verminderung nach Boden- oder kombinierter und 50% nach Blattapplikation empfindlicher als die Sproß-TM-Bildung. Die Aufnahme von Chlorsulfuron über die Wurzeln führt bei Gerste also zu stärkeren Schäden als über das Blatt, womit erklärbar wird, warum das Herbizid bei Regen kurz nach der Anwendung phytotoxischer ist. Wenn nach der Anwendung kein Regen fällt, kann nach Blattaufnahme das Wurzelwachstum unter bestimmten Umständen trotzdem beeinträchtigt sein, wodurch die Wasser- und Nährstoffaufnahme abnimmt, und die Konsequenzen für den Kornertrag werden unter trockenen Bedingungen am stärksten. Aufgrund der Unterschiede der Wurzel- oder Blattaumahme ließen sich die in der Praxis beobachteten Sortenunterschiede der Toleranz gegenüber Chlorsulfuron nicht erklären.     

Optimal root system strategies for desert phreatophytic seedlings in the search for groundwater

Desert phreatophytes are greatly dependent on groundwater, but how their root systems adapt to different groundwater depths is poorly understood. In the present study, shoot and root growths of Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. seedlings were studied across a gradient of groundwater depths. Leaves, stems and roots of different orders were measured after 120 days of different groundwater treatments. Results indicated that the depth of soil wetting front and the vertical distribution of soil water contents were highly controlled by groundwater depths. The shoot growth and biomass of A. sparsifolia decreased, but the root growth and rooting depth increased under deeper groundwater conditions. The higher ratios of root biomass, root/shoot and root length/leaf area under deeper groundwater conditions implied that seedlings of A. sparsifolia economized carbon cost on their shoot growths. The roots of A. sparsifolia distributed evenly around the soil wetting fronts under deeper groundwater conditions. Root diameters and root lengths of all orders were correlated with soil water availabilities both within and among treatments. Seedlings of A. sparsifolia produced finer first- and second-order roots but larger third- and fourth-order roots in dry soils. The results demonstrated that the root systems of desert phreatophytes can be optimized to acquire groundwater resources and maximize seedling growth by balancing the costs of carbon gain.