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The Role of Surfactants in the Foliar Absorption of Indole–3–Acetic Acid (IAA)
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 June 2017
Extract
The absorption of chemicals by the leaf of a plant is a problem of major importance in chemical weed control. The presence of a waxy cuticle on the surface presents a barrier to absorption. Interspersed in the cuticle are the stomata which may serve as a portal of entry for chemicals but even the interior chambers of the stoma are lined with a cuticle. It may be presumed that the more intimate the contact between a chemical and the leaf surface the greater the possibility for absorption. The water carrier commonly used in application of these chemicals makes but a poor contact with the cuticle; however, this deficiency may be overcome by the addition of agents to lower the surface tension of the solution. While intimacy of contact of the chemical with the leaf surface is important in absorption, the state, i.e. liquid or solid, of the chemical may also influence the ease of absorption. Consideration of the physical processes involved shows that a chemical will be absorbed with relative ease from a liquid phase in contrast to the same chemical deposited as a crystal on the surface of the leaf. Either humid conditions following application or the addition of hygroscopic agents may help to maintain a liquid state thus facilitating absorption. Many surface active agents used in sprays are also fair hygroscopic agents.
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- Research Article
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- Copyright © 1961 Weed Science Society of America
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