Alachlor and 1,8-Naphthalic Anhydride Effects on Corn Coleoptiles

Abstract

More force was required to induce leaf slippage in coleoptiles from corn (Zea mays L. ‘Tenn 5009′) plants grown in the presence of 25 ppmw alachlor [2-chloro-2′,6′-diethyl-N-(methoxymethyl)acetanilide] than in the controls, or in coleoptiles from plants grown in the presence of 25 ppmw alachlor in combination with 150 ppmw 1,8-naphthalic anhydride (hereafter referred to as NA). NA alone reduced the force required to induce leaf slippage below that of all treatments. Incubation for 16 hr in 10 ppmw IAA (indoleacetic acid) did not lower the force required to induce leaf slippage in coleoptiles from plants grown in the presence of 25 ppmw alachlor even though the length of the coleptiles increased 30% more than coleoptiles not receiving the IAA treatment. Percent dry matter, dry matter per 100 plants, and percent protein increased in coleoptiles from alachlor treated plants, while percent cellulose and lignin decreased. The extent of variation in these parameters was lessened when NA was applied in combination with alachlor, with the exception of percent lignin which was further decreased by the combination treatment. Percent hemicellulose was not affected by alachlor, NA, or their combination.