Open AccessA MODEL SYSTEM FOR THE STUDY OF 2,4-D TRANSLOCATION IN LEAFY SPURGE
Author(s) -
Sarah E. Lingle,
Jiiffrey C. Suttle
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
canadian journal of plant science/canadian journal of plant science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.338
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1918-1833
pISSN - 0008-4220
DOI - 10.4141/cjps85-052
Subject(s) - leafy , ethephon , cutting , chromosomal translocation , vermiculite , shoot , biology , sowing , horticulture , botany , fibrous root system , germination , agronomy , ethylene , catalysis , biochemistry , gene
A model system was devised to study the translocation of 2,4-D in leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.). The effects of rate of 2,4-D application, decapitation, and rate and pretreatment with ethephon on 14 C-2,4-D translocation were studied. Rooted cuttings were obtained by rooting newly-developed axillary shoots in moist vermiculite for 4 wk. These cuttings were then placed in liquid nutrient medium for translocation experiments. Seven days after application, 50–60% of the 14 C translocated from 14 C-2,4-D treated leaves was found in the stem. The percentage of 14 C that accumulated in the stem increased with increasing rate of 2,4-D application to 1 kg/ha. Up to 85% of 14 C translocated to the root was released into the nutrient medium. Shoot decapitation 5 mm below the apex up to 4 days before 2,4-D application decreased 14 C percentage in leaf tissue and increased 14 C in stem and root. Foliar application of ethephon at 1 kg/ha resulted in a transient increase in the rate of ethylene evolution from shoot and root tissues, decreased the amount of 14 C translocated to the root zone and increased the 14 C in the leaves. Ethephon treatment of larger, vermiculite-grown plants also decreased 14 C accumulation in the roots. These results indicate that the use of root cuttings is a convenient and reliable method for the study of herbicide translocation and plant growth regulator/herbicide interactions in leafy spurge.Key words: Translocation, 2,4-D, leafy spurge, Euphorbia esula L., plant growth regulator, ethephon