Fluorometric Detection of Photosystem II Herbicide Penetration and Detoxification in Whole Leaves

Abstract

The applicability of fluorescence measurements for the detection of herbicide effects in whole leaves was analyzed. Based on the results known for isolated chloroplasts, normalized variable fluorescence of the initial rise was shown to be an appropriate tool for monitoring effects of photosystem II (PS II) herbicides. Equipment is described for monitoring the degree of inhibition by fluorescence induction measurements and microcomputer data analysis. The method is used to study the effect of pyrazon [5-amino-4-chloro-2-phenyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone], BAY DRW 1139 [4-amino-3-methyl-6-phenyl-1,2,4-triazin-5(4H)-one], and phenmedipham {3-[(methoxycarbonyl)amino] phenyl (3-methyl-phenyl)carbamate} after foliar application to different species. A rapid decrease of normalized variable fluorescence indicates penetration into leaf cells of all species tested. During a 5- to 7-day experiment, the apparent variable fluorescence decreased continuously in herbicide-susceptible plants, while it recovered in resistant plants due to an internal detoxification mechanism. The described method provides a rapid, simple, and nondestructive tool for analyzing the kinetics of penetration and detoxification of PS II herbicides in whole leaves.