EFFECT OF 3-(4-CHLOROPHENYL)-1,1-DIMETHYLUREA ON DRY MATTER PRODUCTION, TRANSPIRATION, AND ROOT EXTENSION

Abstract

Extension growth of the chlorophyll-containing roots of Hydrocharis morsusranae was inhibited by 0.5 p.p.m. of 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (monuron) whereas concentrations close to the water saturation point of 230 p.p.m. were required to inhibit extension growth of the non-chlorophyll-containing attached roots of Zea mays and Phleum pratense and the detached roots of Pisum sativum.A total of 15–20 μg of monuron per gram fresh leaf applied through the cut petiole of detached primary leaves of Phaseolus vulgaris inhibited the increase of dry matter by 90% and suppressed transpiration 40–50%. Internal concentrations of 1–2 μg/g of monuron produced simultaneous enhancement of dry matter increase and of transpiration but concentrations of 5–10 μg/g produced a suppression of dry matter increase concurrently with an enhancement of transpiration. Age of leaf and the time of year in which the plants were grown altered the critical internal concentration levels required to affect dry matter increase and transpiration.Analysis of detached leaves treated with 15–20 μg/g monuron indicated a marked suppression of the formation of non-water-soluble carbohydrate, a slight suppression of the formation of water-soluble nitrogen, but little or no effect on water-soluble carbohydrate or on non-water-soluble nitrogen.In detached leaves o-phenanthroline, 3-phenyl-1,1-dimethylurea, and 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea resembled monuron closely in symptom development and in their effect on dry matter production and transpiration. Iodoacetamide, 2,4-dinitrophenol, and 8-hydroxyquinoline each produced some effects similar to monuron but differed from it in certain respects; Thiourea, sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, sodium fluoracetate, ethyl-NN-diphenylcarbamate, and hydroxylamine hydrochloride were without noticeable effect.