INFLUENCE OF SOIL PROPERTIES ON PHYTOTOXICITY OF 4–AMlNO-3,5,6–TRICHLOROPICOLINIC ACID (PICLORAM)

Summary. Effective dosages of picloram (4–amino-3,5,6–trichloropicolinic acid) required to reduce fresh weight of sunflowers ( Helianthus annuus L. var. Menonite) were determined for seven Saskatchewan soils under controlled environmental conditions. The relationships between ED₅₀ value and clay content, organic matter content and cation exchange capacity were evaluated by correlation and regression analysis for possible usefulness in predicting dose requirements. ED₅₀ values were also determined for Weyburn loam and in culture solutions adjusted to various pH levels.
There Was no significant correlation between ED₅₀ values of picloram and soil clay content or cation exchange capacity. ED₅₀ values were highly correlated with soil organic matter content, and they increased as the soil pH was lowered or raised from pH 6.5. The increase in ED₅₀ values in the acidic range was attributed to adsorption of the unionized molecules of picloram on the organic matter in the soil. The increase in ED₅₀ values in the alkaline range may be mainly due to reduced uptake of the ionized acid by plant roots.