Behavior of 2,4-D in Common Waterplantain (Alisma triviale)

Abstract

Retention, absorption, translocation, and metabolism of 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid] by common waterplantain (Alisma trivialePursh. # ALSPA) at three growth stages were investigated to determine the basis for differential susceptibility of common waterplantain at different growth stages. Plants in the five-leaf and scape elongation stages retained more 2,4-D than plants in the early flowering stage. Absorption of14C-2,4-D by the flower stalk was less than absorption by the treated leaves regardless of growth stage. The majority of the absorbed14C translocated out of the treated plant part was recovered in the aerial portion of the plant younger than the treated leaves or in the corm, with greater movement of14C into the corm at the older growth stages. Metabolism of14C-2,4-D did not differ among the growth stages. The results suggest that the greater sensitivity of common waterplantain at the scape elongation stage to 2,4-D is due to greater translocation to the corm when compared to the five-leaf stage, and greater retention when compared to the early flowering stage.