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Effects of isoproturon in the rhizosphere of wheat
Author(s) -
MUDD P. J.,
GREAVES M. P.,
WRIGHT S. J. L.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
weed research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.693
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1365-3180
pISSN - 0043-1737
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3180.1985.tb00665.x
Subject(s) - rhizosphere , propagule , pesticide , agronomy , biology , field experiment , chemistry , horticulture , botany , bacteria , genetics
Summary In a field experiment, isoproturon (as Arelon) applied to soil at 2·5 kg ai ha −1 caused variable effects in the rhizosphere of winter wheat. These included transient increases and decreases in the number of bacterial and fungal propagules. No changes in soil levels of NH 4 + ‐N, NO 2 − ‐N, NO 3 − ‐N or PO 4 3− were detected. Similar results were recorded with wheat grown in pots and in laboratory‐incubated soil. Arelon (1–60 μg ai ml −1 ) did not affect pure cultures of bacteria but at the highest concentration (approximating to fifty times field rate) inhibited growth of some fungi. The value of laboratory and field experiments for studying effects of pesticides on micro‐organisms is discussed. The results suggest that Arelon, in practical use, is unlikely to have harmful effects on the micro‐organisms or fertility of soil.