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A Root Isolation Method for Testing Root-Active Chemicals

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 June 2017

S. L. Duffy
S. L. Duffy*
Affiliation:
U.S. Envir. Prot. Agency, Agr. Res. Ctr.-E, Bldg. 402, Beltsville, MD 20705
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Abstract

A method for isolating roots of a growing plant was devised. The technique allows treatment of an isolated portion of the root system without disturbance or injury to the untreated root mass. A specially designed planter-box was used to induce natural separation of the root system in 3 to 4 weeks. Weeping willow (Salix babylonica L.) seedlings were used to test the performance of dichlobenil (2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile), paraquat (1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium ion), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and copper sulfate (CuSO4 • 5H2O) in reducing the viability of treated roots. A tetrazolium chloride assay was used to determine the difference in viability of the treated roots. Copper sulfate and paraquat-treated plants produced symptoms of systemic injury.

Type
Research Article
Information
Weed Science , Volume 24 , Issue 2 , March 1976 , pp. 214 - 216
Copyright
Copyright © 1976 by the Weed Science Society of America 

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References

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