Comparative studies of safeners for the prevention of EPTC injury in maize

The herbicide safener N-dichloroacetyl-1-oxa-4-aza-spiro-4,5-decane (AD-67) is of similar efficiency as the extensively used N.N-diallyl-2,2-dichloroacetamide (R-25788) and the structurally related 3-(dichloroacetyl)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-oxa-zolidine (AD-2) in reducing EPTC [S-ethyl-N,N-dipropyl (thiocarhamate)] injury to maize (Zea mays L. cv. KSC 360). EPTC treatment produces growth retardation and deformities and inhibits CO₂ fixation. It does not reduce epicuticular lipids appreciably but affects wax arrangement on the leaf surface. When EPTC is applied together with one of these safeners, these injuries are not observed. All three safeners act similarly. Each prevents the herbicide-induced aggregation of epicuticular wax of maize, thereby protecting the plants against the formation of areas where the underlying cuticle layers are exposed and increase in transpiration.