Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 June 2017
A study was made on the absorption and translocation and of the effects of perfluidone [1,1,1-trifluoro-N-[2-methyl-4-(phenylsulfonyl) phenyl] methanesulfonamide] on the morphology and anatomy of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.). Concentrations of 1 μM to 10 μM perfluidone added to the nutrient solutions retarded growth of both species. Necrotic spots appeared on the lamina of cotton leaves which were expanded previous to the treatment. Cotton plants resumed normal growth within 11 days after removal of the herbicide. Yellow nutsedge plants remained stunted 18 days after removal of the herbicide. After 6 days, cotton and yellow nutsedge had absorbed 5.4% and 1.7%, respectively, of the 14C-perfluidone (uniformly labeled in the toluidine ring) added to the nutrient solution. Of the 14C absorbed by the plant, cotton and nutsedge translocated 20% and 30%, respectively, to the shoots. A 10-fold higher concentration of 14C was found at the leaf tips of nutsedge than in the other shoot tissues. In cotton shoots the 14C was distributed evenly. Perfluidone inhibited the mitotic indexes of cotton and nutsedge roots 78% and 100%, respectively, in 5 days.