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Glufosinate Phytotoxicity to Maize under Salt
Stress Conditions
E. Sacała, M. Podgórska-Lesiak, A. Demczuk
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Department of Plant Nutrition, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences,
Grunwaldzka 53, 50-357 Wrocław, Poland
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2008;17(6):993-996
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ABSTRACT
In this report we describe the responses of two maize varieties (Koka and Limko) to combined action of
glufosinate and salinity. Glufosinate (phosphinothricin) is a non-selective herbicide that binds to the active site
of glutamine synthetase (GS) and irreversibly inhibits this enzyme. Maize seedlings were grown in hydroponic
cultures in complete nutrient solution under the following conditions: 16h photoperiod (220 µmol·m-2·s-1) at
26/20°C day/night, 65-70% relative humidity. The growth experiment (determination of dry matter production)
was 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two levels of NaCl in nutrient solution, 0 and 60 mmol·dm-3 NaCl
and four levels of glufosinate in nutrient 0, 0.010, 0.025, 0.050 mmol·dm-3. Salt stress significantly decreased
dry weight of both maize varieties. Glufosinate also caused reduction in growth of maize seedlings and the
amount of inhibition was dependent on herbicide concentration and part of plant. Combined action of glufosinate
and NaCl caused marked reduction in plant growth but in some cases (roots of Koka and shoots of
Limko), this negative effect was mainly induced by NaCl. Biochemical analyses (determination of ammonium
and nitrate concentration, content of water-soluble protein) were carried out at two levels of each treatment
(0 and 0.050 mmol·dm-3 glufosinate, 0 and 60 mmol·dm-3 NaCl). Plants treated by glufosinate accumulated 3-
4-fold more ammonium than control plants and also contained more nitrate than control. The combined action
of glufosinate and NaCl resulted in a significant decrease in ammonium content in maize leaves compared to
sole herbicide treatment, whereas in roots ammonium concentration remained at the same level. Under combined
actions of herbicide and NaCl alterations in concentration of water-soluble protein and nitrate content
were relatively small.