Detoxification of 2,4-D by Several Plant Species

Abstract

The amount of free, unaltered (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) acetic acid (2,4-D) in resistant and susceptible plant species 1, 4, and 8 days after treatment was determined by three procedures. Centrifugation and chromatography of plant homogenates was a more reliable assay than trichloroacetic acid (TCA) precipitation or dialysis procedures. The foliar penetration of 14C-2-4-D and radioactivity which moved from roots into the growth media following foliar application of 14C-2,4-D varied from one plant species to another, but no general correlations with 2,4-D resistance was observed. The resistant burcucumber (Sicyos angulatus L.) and oats (Avena sativa L.) were not fatally injured primarily because unaltered 2,4-D was immobilized in the treated leaves and unaltered, free 2,4-D was reduced to nontoxic concentrations. The 2,4-D in susceptible cocklebur (Xanthium sp.) remained largely as free and mobile 2,4-D, and the treated plants were near death 8 days after treatment.